The lesion can be a few or numerous, making it necessary to trim a lot of the leaves, thus reducing quality and yield. Shallow planting on raised beds and fungicide applications serve to reduce disease losses. Zea mays var. Cool wet soils slow seed germination and development of young seedlings so that there is exposure to fungi for a longer period of time. Low quality seed also produce seedlings that are weak and survive poorly in cold wet soils.
Control is obtained by using high quality seed which have been treated with a protective fungicide.
During periods of high wind plants often lodge. Ears may hang downward on the stalk. The Gibberella stage of the fungus will infect kernels causing them to be pink in color. Infected ears have a strong odor and should not be used as food or feed. Control stalk rots by rotating with non-related crops, planting in well drained soils and by using treated seed.