Early-Season Corn Disease: Northern Corn Leaf Blight
Joshua Putman, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
In 2019, northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) appeared throughout the Southwest New York region. In general, NCLB is more of an issue in fields with a history of continuous corn production however, this year, the environment has been conducive for the infection to occur in first year corn fields as well. Environmental conditions of 65-85F, sporadic rain events, and humidity can result in an NCLB infection. Early NCLB symptoms appear as long, narrow, tan lesions that form on the leaf surface of a corn plant. As the disease progresses, the lesions become longer, more oblong, or "cigar-shaped" and can appear grayish in color. These lesions can range from 1-8 inches long with multiple lesions forming dense, irregular areas of dead tissue on the corn leaves. Cornell University Field Crops Plant Pathologist, Dr. Gary Bergstrom, recommends we scout our fields now for early disease detection. For more information visit Purdue University Extension or contact Field Crops Specialist, Josh Putman.
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Upcoming Events
WNY Pastureland Conversion & Soil Health Field Day
July 16, 2025
Middleport, NY
Join American Farmland Trust for the Western New York Soil Health Field Day on July 16, 2025, at Zeliff Farm in Middleport, NY, from 9:00 AM-3:15 PM. Learn about pasture conversion, soil health benchmarking, biochar in grazing systems, and best grazing practices. Plus, enjoy hands-on demos with the NY Soil Health Trailer, drones, and cover crops! Check out the attached agenda for more information about the field day and REGISTER HERE. Zeliff Farms is a regenerative beef operation who has recently partnered with AFT on outreach and education to farmers including learning circles and evaluating biochar effects on soil health.
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