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Dear Friends of Engage Agro USA:
Goss's Bacterial Wilt (GBW), a leaf and stalk disease, has already been confirmed in several states and is posing a serious threat to corn yields like in 2011 (yield losses of up to 50% were observed in heavily infested fields):
- Tamra Jackson, University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), has confirmed GBW in many Nebraska districts. See latest: UNL Cropwatch Article and youtube educational video: GBW video .
- Kiersten Wise, Purdue University, has confirmed GBW in northwest Indiana.
- Alison Robertson, Iowa State University, is hearing reports across Iowa and says this is not unexpected due to weather patterns with rain, wind, and storms favorable to GBW infections.
- East central Illinois confirmed GBW at a plant clinic in late June. Carl Bradley, University of Illinois, emphasized the storm and wind link in a July 2, 2013 bulletin: Bulletin
The first step in protecting your corn crops is determining whether GBW is present. This disease can have two distinct phases: a leaf blight phase and a systemic wilt phase.
There is no single solution for controlling Goss's Bacterial Wilt and fungicides are ineffective as GBW is a bacteria. However, a well-balanced nutrient program that includes 42PHI™Cu, a copper based fertilizer available from Engage Agro USA, can ward off further infection and promote new growth and yield.
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In addition, copper is essential for lignin cell wall growth and pollination. Copper deficiencies negatively affect pollination by causing a reduction in the release of pollen. The pollen that is present is non-viable due to an increase in pollen sterility. Copper-deficient plants tend to be more susceptible to Goss's Bacterial Wilt as the florets stay open and the Goss's Wilt spores land on the stigma.
42PHI™Cu is a unique phosphite formulation providing a readily available form of copper causing it to move into the plant quickly and then move through the phloem to the actively growing parts of the plant.
Whether Goss's Bacterial Wilt is already present in a corn field or not, applying a foliar nutrient like
42PHI™Cu at the first signs of plant stress due to this disease is essential.
Find more information about Goss's Bacterial Wilt in corn and how to manage it with 42PHI™Cu by visiting our new website (www.engageagrousa.com) . As always, contact Rick Bird, Engage Midwest Sales, at 309-838-9702 or myself for additional information. Trevor Thorley, President  Cell Phone: 928-642-7361 Email: trevorthorley@engageagro.com Home Office: 928.445.7990 
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