However, if discoloration persists after plants begin to joint, further corrective measures may be needed. Send a soil sample for nutrient analysis to determine whether fertility imbalances are the cause. If disease is suspected, take a plant and soil sample to your county Extension agent or have the agent visit your field. When a field contains weedy areas with a poor stand, root rots or seedling diseases may be the cause. If so, the seedlings will be rotted or have lesions and be generally unthrifty.
Root rots cause plants to be stunted, wilted, or discolored.
The roots have an unhealthy, darkened appearance. The fungi that cause these problems are rather common in most fields, and dispersal is therefore not as important as with other diseases. Exceedingly wet and cool weather favors root rot. Any conditions that retard seed germination may result in seedling disease. Only partly filled seed will be found in the infected spikelets.