Goss' Wilt Disease

Many fields had excellent corn yields in 2011.  However, many other growers were disappointed with fields that had small corn kernels and disappointing yields.  Several factors contributed, but Goss's Bacterial Wilt is being talked about with even greater concern.  From Colorado to Pennsylvania, yield losses from 20-80 bushels per acre were reported. 

A recent discussion that Engage Agro USA had on this subject with Alison Robertson, Iowa State University Extension Pathologist, shed even more light on this problem.  Alison commented that one estimate is that Iowa lost $60M from Goss's Bacterial Wilt in 2011 and some think it may have been two or three times this loss value in the state.  Alison also confirmed that traditional fungicides do not control Goss's Wilt as it is a bacteria called Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis that causes the problem.  Goss's is not a fungus but is a bacteria therefore, it isn't affected by fungicides.

Amie Bandy, a much-respected Iowa Crop Advisor, made a presentation entitled, Fighting Back the Negative Impact of Goss's Wilt at the Annual No-Tillage conference on January 14th in St. Louis.  Amie included many photographs and technical comments on this devastating bacterial.

Howard Vlieger, of Verity Farms, LLC, based near Le Mars, IA has been very concerned about Goss's Bacterial Wilt.  He sent out a detailed Verity Farms Newsletter  to advise their growers on identification, technical background, and some steps to aid good corn nutrition to alleviate some of the yield losses.  

Howard reported two grower trials in 2011 with late application that gave 19 and 20 bushels per acre positive yield response.  To learn more, you can attend one of three Grower Educational Meetings to be held on February 13-15, 2012 with Howard Vlieger and ATP Nutrition expert, Jarrett Chambers, sponsored by Engage Agro USA.   

In 2011, Engage Agro USA supplied 42PHI™Cu to many retailers, consultants, and growers worried about their corn health.  42PHI™Cu foliar nutrient, provided the following:

• Novel formulation incorporating unique ATP Nutrition technology and expertise
• Plant health benefits  
• Help ward off bacterial infections
• Significantly improved corn yields, especially when used at the first sighting of Goss's Bacterial Wilt

Fortify Your Corn with "42PHI™ Cu" 

Click here to read the 42PHI™ Cu label or for more information, contact Engage Agro USA at 928-445-7990 or visit our website at Engage Agro USA.

Thank you for your interest in this issue.

Regards,

Trevor Thorley, President