Understanding the Role of Phaeocytostroma ambiguum in Crown Rot Disease of Corn

Crown rot is an emerging problem across the Corn Belt. While Fusarium species are often associated with the disease, we frequently recovered Phaeocytostroma ambiguum (Pam) from symptomatic plants. Root and stalk rot caused by Pam has been reported in South America, Europe and Africa. The goal of my research is to understand if Pam plays a role in crown rot in the Corn Belt. This presentation will discuss (i) the pathogen's prevalence throughout the Midwest, (ii) the effectiveness of in-furrow and foliar fungicide applications on crown rot development, and  (iii) the sensitivity of Pam to various fungicides used as seed treatments.