Corn Stunt impacting Argentina’s corn yields found in the U.S.

Crop disease is drastically dropping corn yields in South America this season, and the same Corn Stunt has been found here in the United States.

Dr. Darcy Telenko, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at Purdue University, explains how it is a minor issue for now:

“It’s mainly been found in the southern part of the United States—in Southern Florida and Texas—and I know they’re having major issues in Argentina, but here in the United States, it’s been around for a while. I have reports that they found it in California in 1996, and they continue to find it, but generally, we don’t think it’s leading to significant losses here in the United States.”
Dr. Darcy Telenko, Purdue University Associate Professor of Plant Pathology

So far, the professor two things are key to the spread of Corn Stunt, neither of which have been detected on crops here in the U.S. Those two indicators are: inoculum that would allow the corn leafhopper to pick the disease up; and a significant population of the leafhopper pest. Dr. Telenko also shared what crop farmers should look out for going forward.

“I would keep an eye out. If I start hearing more reports out of Texas or Florida — where they might start seeing a little bit more infections — since it’s already been documented there; and they’ve seen it in California. We’ll monitor that; and we’ll keep an ear out with my counterparts in those states if they start seeing a problem with it. But generally, I’m hoping it’s not a disease that we’re going to have to worry about.”
Dr. Darcy Telenko, Purdue University Associate Professor of Plant Pathology

The Rosario Grains Exchange in Argentina slashed the corn forecast by 6.5 million tons due to the recent impact of the insect and disease.

Related Stories
The Arkansas Farm Bureau introduces us to the Brents Family, who have raised cattle, poultry, and hay on their operation in Jerusalem, Arkansas, for 14 years.
The California Farm Bureau introduces us to Aussie, its 2024 Farm Dog of the Year! Aussie’s proved nothing—not even the loss of a limb—can stop her from protecting her farm and family.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Cattle producers recently promoted U.S. beef on a trip to Japan and Korea with the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
After years of drought, farmers across U.S. farm country are getting so much rainfall that it’s dampening their spring planting progress later into the season.
According to USDA experts, Brazil and Argentina’s large drop in corn production has more to do with the economics of corn markets than impacts from weather.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, no part of Iowa is experiencing extreme levels of drought for the first time in nearly two years.
Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.