Mold & Disease Resources
Many growers are seeing moldy grain in fields due to the cold, wet conditions this harvest season. In addition, some of the fields did not make maturity so husks are holding tight to the ear, trapping moisture inside. These are perfect conditions for mold to develop.
Below are three excellent resources to help growers address identification and management concerns. To view, click the title.
- Fungal Growth on Corn (“Moldy Corn”) in Minnesota in Fall 2009 by Dean Malvick, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota
- Corn Ear Molds by Larry Osborne, Extension Plant Pathologist at SDSU
- Corn Mold & Mycotoxin Issues by Brian Lang, ISU Extension
- Distinguishing Corn Ear Molds by Monsanto Technology Development
- Corn Ear Molds - Basic Questions and Answers by NDSU Extension Service
If growers have any concerns about feeding their grain to livestock, it is strongly recommended they have a feed test done first, to determine if toxins are present. It takes a trained expert with the aid of a microscope to positively identify molds and toxins.
Photo courtesy of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
