Management that minimizes stress to the plant, such as crop rotation, can be helpful. Rotation to non-host crops prevents buildup of stalk rotting fungi. High plant populations favor stalk rot by increasing competition for light, water and nutrients. Plant hybrids at the recommended plant populations, being aware that field conditions may influence the population density. Fields should be evaluated yearly for available potassium levels.
Potassium deficiencies weaken stalks.
Unbalanced fertility also increases stalk rot severity. Rot commonly occurs where soils contain large amounts of organic matter or are very high in available nitrogen and low in available potassium. If applying large amounts of manure, make sure the potassium level is balanced to the nitrogen. Insects that bore into the stalk or feed on the roots create entrances for stalk rotting fungi. Insect damage also interferes with the carbohydrate movement from the stalk to the ear.