Northern Corn Leaf Blight
scouted Sept. 2, 2025
- Scientific Name
- Exserohilum turcicum
- Background
- Corn in Pamlico County was being scouted, and it was observed that 90% of the field was affected by dieback, and leaves were browning between the veins and mottled spots. It was also observed that some of the plants had strange-looking brace roots. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis. The site is high, dry, and sunny.
- Conclusion
- The lesions were identified as Northern Corn Leaf Blight. This disease usually presents as cigar-shaped lesions that become grayish or tan and have dark gray or green masses of fungal spores in the center. Late-season development of NCLB will likely have a reduced impact on yield.
- Resources
