Scout Info Kentucky IPM Pest Information Pages Anthracnose Top-DieBack Symptoms When corn plants begin their normal yellowing, or "firing" from the bottom of the plant upward, plants with anthracnose top-dieback (Colletotrichum graminicola) also begin to yellow or redden from the top down. The three to four leaves about ear level that remain green are very striking to the eye. Pull back leaf sheaths from the affected upper leaves and look for a brown discoloration on the stalk. Yellowing, reddening and dying of corn plant tops can also be caused by borer holes made by insects. Make sure you rule out insect injury before making your diagnosis of anthracnose top-dieback. Upper leaves may contain small, round spots that become brown in the center with reddish-brown borders. Cause Anthracnose stalk rot is unlike the other four major stalk rots in that the rot is associated with the top and not the base of the plant. The anthracnose fungus is favored by moderate temperatures and high moisture. Time of infection may vary depending on the particular corn variety and the weather. Generally, when plants begin to fire from the base of the plant, top symptoms, if present, can be observed. IPM Techniques Examine the field one time when lower leaves located 2 to 3-1/2 feet above ground level on the plants begin to show normal yellowing. References and Additional Information IPM-2 Kentucky Corn IPM Manual PPA-10a Kentucky Plant Disease Management Guide for Corn and Sorghum, P. Vincelli and D.E. Hershman, Extension Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky Compendium of Corn Diseases. M. C. Shurtleff. American Phytopathological Society. 1980.

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