Hybrid selection
- Pioneer corn breeders have progressively improved hybrids
- Selected for genetic tolerance in environments where disease occurs at high levels
- Selected against husk tightness and ears that remain upright after maturity
- Selected for hybrids with fast ear drydown
- Pioneer provides ratings for its hybrids
- Ratings range from 3 to 6 for most hybrids (9=resistant), indicating that high levels of resistance are not yet available in today’s hybrids
- If Gibberella ear rot caused significant damage in the past, consider planting only hybrids with at least a moderate rating (5 or higher)
Rotate to a non-host crop and manage crop residue
Scout fields before harvest in order to make informed decisions about harvest timing, postharvest grain handling, storage and utilization
- Harvest infected fields early to limit disease development
- Set combine to reduce kernel damage and remove lightest kernels
- Dry infected grain at high temperature to a moisture of 15% or less
- Monitor grain in storage to maintain its condition
- Test grain for presence of mycotoxins and manage accordingly