Practices which hasten the breakdown of crop residue will help reduce the amount of inoculum carried over in the soil. Varieties vary in their reaction to this disease. Growers should consult their county Extension agent for current hybrids and their reaction to this disease. This disease is a problem when fields become flooded early in the life of the plant. The fungus produces swimming spores which require water for mobility.
Infected plants are sterile and have numerous shoots at the base of the stalk.
Leaves are thickened, distorted, of a lighter green color than normal leaves. Tassels and ears develop green leafy shoots. The fungus is commonly found in grasses along the edge of the field. Spores are washed into the field in flood water. Infection of the young corn plants takes place at this time.