Stewart's Wilt

Flea beetles carry the disease and infect your corn leaves. Leaves turn brown as if they have blight, but also have an oozing goo if you cut the stem or leaves. Leaves take on a wavy appearance as well.

The beetles grow in numbers after a mild winter. So watch your crops early on in the year if you had a mild one. Here in Hartselle, AL, we have had snow and 12 degree temps for days on end, but then it will turn to 50's and 60's and go back down. I don't know if that warrants mild or not. Maybe the week or two of super cold killed the eggs. I'm not sure what warrants a long enough cold spell.

The disease gets into the stalks and causes stunted ears and dead tassels. Some corn varieties won't produce at all if affected enough.

To control this disease, you have to control the flea beetle. To do this, you need a good weed control method to prevent perfect beetle habitats for overwintering. Plant hybrid corn which for the most part are resistant varieties. Of course, you can spray insecticides, but please use an organic ones and remember you do have to eat that corn later.

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