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Aug. 19, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

First case of corn stunt confirmed in Missouri

corn stunt

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The University of Missouri (MU) Extension has confirmed the state’s first case of corn stunt, a disease transmitted by corn leafhoppers.

The disease can cause significant yield losses, and symptoms include yellowing or reddening of leaf tips, stunted growth, and deformed kernels.

Extension specialists note that corn stunt is uncommon in Missouri, making this discovery unexpected. Agronomists were alerted to symptoms in Christian, Stone, Lawrence, and Barton counties.

Tests conducted by the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic confirmed the presence of the disease.

Corn leafhoppers, the insects responsible for spreading the disease, are small, tan or yellow, and are identified by two dark spots between their eyes. The insects feed on plant sap and transmit pathogens that damage corn.

Fungicides are ineffective, so management strategies focus on controlling the insect population. Farmers are advised to use early planting, crop rotation, and control of volunteer plants to manage the disease.

Suspected samples can be tested at the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic.