Episode 144 – Dealing with DON

There is nothing more frustrating than getting rejected at the elevator due to high vomitoxin (aka DON) levels. DON is produced by a fungi produced on the ear and is usually infected at the time of pollination. To give farmers a better perspective of what happens behind the scenes at a grain elevator, we interview 3 grain merchandisers on their process when DON test levels start creeping up.

Jason Beckman (Poet), Lisa Mitchell (Gerald Grain), and Seth Miller (The Anderson) take us behind the scenes of their operations to look at testing, grain flow and market impacts. We end with some quick reminders about DON management and to check the C.O.R.N. Newsletter for updates and research on corn fungicide and disease.

Episode 123 – Tar Spot

If you grow or scout corn in Ohio, you have probably heard rumblings of a new disease called Tar Spot. Pictures from neighboring states to the north and west show bleak images of entire corn fields dead before their time. While researchers are still assessing the threat potential for tar spot in Ohio, it has made appearances across the state and has many farmers quite concerned. To tell us more about this new disease, Dr. Stephanie Karhoff joins us to share what she has seen and learned in her time in NW Ohio.

Stay up-to-date on the latest in agronomic issues by subscribing to the C.O.R.N. Newsletter.

Episode 121 – Corn and Soybean Diseases

Mid to late summer attentions quickly turn to fungicide applications and talk of what needs sprayed for that particular year. This year is no exception with the varying weather conditions that seem to appeal to each and every disease. Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora and Jason Hartschuh talk about which diseases in corn and soybeans we should watch out for and provide more information on scouting and pulling the trigger on application.

If you are interested in sending soybean samples in for disease analysis, address them to:

OSU Soybean Pathology and Nematology Laboratory
Attn: Horacio Lopez-Nicora
110 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43210

You can reach Horacio at lopez-nicora.1@osu.edu and Jason at Hartschuh.11@osu.edu.

Episode 115 – Insect and Disease Pressure in Cool Soils

Planting conditions were really good in early April which led to a significant amount of corn and soybeans planted early this year. With the turn to cold, wet conditions, much of that seed has sat without emerging for 2-3 weeks. What impact will that have on insect and disease pressure? How might it affect replant considerations?

To answer these questions, Dr. Kelley Tilmon and Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora join us to discuss the effectiveness of seed treatment, which insects and diseases we should be concerned about and some cultural considerations to prevent infestations.

For more on insects, please visit: aginsects.osu.edu/. Subscribe to the CORN newsletter for regular updates from these specialists.

Episode 101 – Tar Spot and Other Corn Diseases

Tar spot has been found in Western Indiana. After an unprecedented outbreak in NW Ohio last year, many farmers are wondering what to expect this year, and what can be done to protect their crop. Dr. Pierce Paul, Plant Pathologist for Corn and Small Grains at OSU, shares what we know about tar spot and recommendations for control.

We also discuss the more common diseases Gray Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight. Listen in for suggestions on keeping corn clean this season.

For updates on corn and wheat disease management, subscribe to the C.O.R.N. Newsletter.