*The Following Media Release Provided by Colorado Corn*

Earlier this year, the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) contributed $31,580 to this research project, in a collaborative effort to compile comprehensive information regarding bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens of corn, including foliar, ear, stalk and root pathogens.

This information will help direct future corn pathological studies at CSU, including the development of improved diagnostic tools; integrated pest management strategies; screening corn accession for resistance to the most prevalent and economically important pathogens; evaluation of seed treatments and foliar fungicides; and also updating epidemiological models of pathogens with limited historical information in Colorado.

Dr. Kirk Broders – an assistant professor in plant pathology at CSU, who is leading this effort – is seeking collaborating growers, consultants and seed representatives, to identify fields and help monitor them through the current year, as well as in future years. The goal is to have fields from throughout the corn-growing regions of Colorado.

If you are willing to assist with the survey, please contact Dr. Broders at kirk.broders@colostate.edu.  

In addition, anyone who has recently sighted corn disease in their fields is encouraged to contact Dr. Broders. Broders and others at CSU are currently on the lookout for root-rot pathogens, as well as any early symptoms of foliar diseases.

Dr. Broders will respond with instruction for sending in samples.

The cost of diagnosing the disease will be covered, thanks to funding from the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee.

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Colorado Corn, based in Greeley, is made up of the Colorado Corn Growers Association and Colorado Corn Administrative Committee. The Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA) is comprised of dues-paying members who are politically active, focusing on policy that impacts corn producers and agriculture in general. The Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) oversees how Colorado’s corn check-off dollars (one penny per bushel of corn produced in the state) are spent on research, market development, outreach, education and other various endeavors. See more about the work of the two organizations at Colorado Corn.

Featured picture courtesy of Colorado Corn.