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.
