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Some Ohio corn showing signs of ear rots
This photo illustrates various ear rots of corn: Diplodia (A); Giberrella (B); Fusarium (C); and Trichoderma (D).
Felipe Dalla Lana | OSU Cereal Pathology Lab
If you had damaged corn or were rejected at an elevator because your vomitoxin levels were too high, you are not alone. This was a widespread issue across Ohio. Vomitoxin is caused by Gibberella Ear Rot. Like with most ear rots, it is difficult to control because there has not been clear results on management strategies.
Harvest and hybrid management
Harvesting early is very important. While you cannot get rid of vomitoxin, getting the grain cooled down and dry can stop the spread. There is some indication that increasing the combine fan speed during harvest will help clean out the grain. This has worked in wheat. OSU will run a study this winter to fine tune this recommendation. Some hybrids are more resistant than others, but this often is not indicated by seed companies. If yo