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Corn stunt disease identified in Kansas

The first known case of corn stunt disease has been identified in Kansas.

Plant pathologists and entomologists at Kansas State University say the disease and associated symptoms has been identified in field corn in Edwards, Pratt, Sedgwick and Stafford counties and sweet corn in Riley County. The incidence of disease was low, as much of the crop is in its later stages of maturity.

Corn stunt is a bacterial disease resulting in severely stunted plants that often produce multiple small ears with loose or missing kernels. It also results in leaves turning red.

The disease, which is spread by the corn leafhopper, has also been reported in Missouri and Oklahoma. As of last week, only corn stunt spiroplasma has been detected in Kansas, with additional research still needed to determine other pathogens that may be vectored by the corn leafhopper.

Producers who suspect the disease in their crop are encouraged to submit samples to the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.

Photo credit: Kansas State University