Symptoms of Aspergillus ear rot have been reported in corn in southern Indiana.

Weather conditions have been favorable for Aspergillus ear rot development and producers should plan to scout fields to determine if this ear rot is present. This ear rot is caused by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, which produces a mycotoxin known as aflatoxin.

Aflatoxin is a very toxic carcinogen, and livestock that consume contaminated grain or silage may be at risk for many health problems.

Two weeks ago we released an article describing how to scout for and identify Aspergillus ear rot, test for aflatoxin, and harvest and store affected grain.

Please refer to the article: “Preparing for Aspergillus ear rot in corn grain and silage” for more information. <http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/pestcrop/2012/issue17/index.html#preparing