AgriGold

GIB - The Story That Won't End

by Andrew Westhoven, CCA, February 26, 2010

While there may be a field of corn still standing here or there, the 2009 harvest is completed and the grain is in storage.  However, one topic that continually arises is ear molds, specifically Gibberella.  Gibberella was widespread throughout most of the eastern cornbelt and the concern is the vomitoxins carried in the harvested grain.  These vomitoxins are a concern for grain handlers because the toxins are harmful to livestock.  The feed formulation is also important; 1) Grain fed directly to livestock may be rejected by the animal, cause deficiency problems, and reproduction issues, 2) If the feed contains DDG/S (Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles) from ethanol facilities, vomitoxins can be up to 3-fold higher concentrations-only increasing the problems mentioned.  (See the table for safe levels for livestock.)  These concerns are well documented and most growers have implemented a course of action for handling the 2009 corn harvest.  The biggest question facing growers today is: What about next year?? 

When creating a 2010 farm plan, it is important to know 1) Who / What was affected? and 2) What about hybrids?  According to Purdue Extension Specialists, Gibberella has not been an issue of this magnitude for 20 to 30 years.  This year was just the "perfect storm" that was necessary for Gibberella to have such a widespread impact.  The cool, wet weather experienced right after pollination was the critical component that encouraged the growth and spread of Gibberella ear mold.  Knowing the history of frequency (once every 20 to 30 years) and the uniqueness of the 2009 weather-the probability of this happening again in back-to-back years is highly unlikely. 

It is true that the fungus overwinters on corn residue (and small grains) and with the wet harvest most tillage practices were delayed or permanently postponed.  This will elevate our chances, but only slightly.  The fungus is always out there, regardless of the preceding year.  Most acres in 2009 were corn following soybeans and we still had a widespread issue.  So having more corn residue on the surface should not cause a concern.

All seed corn companies and most genetic lines were affected by Gibberella.  From field scouting and plot walking observations, there was a familiar pattern among several genetic lines (specific female and male inbreds) demonstrating high levels of ear mold.  In general, family F's, or Iodent genetic backgrounds, had the highest recurrence of ear molds.  With the exception of AgriGold, industry lineups are nearly 90% Iodent seed corn.

For the future, the point is simple - diversification!  Spread the risk out by planting different genetics and different maturities.  Every genetic line has strengths and weaknesses.  Planting a diverse lineup would prevent placing all the eggs into one basket.  Ask the company sales rep which hybrids showed the highest level of ear molds and avoid (re)planting those hybrids.  If possible, tillage and crop rotations are also recommended.

Finally the challenge - think about where and how many places from which your genetics are resourced.  For example, AgriGold resources their own exclusive / proprietary germplasm and genetics from multiple companies; that cannot be said by all seed companies.  Think twice - Are you truly diversified?  For more information, please contact your local AgriGold Corn Specialist or myself.

Categories: Plant Health

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