Evaluation of Hybrids and Fungicides for Foliar and Ear Rot Diseases in Corn in West Lafayette, IN, 2025

Foliar diseases such as tar spot ( Phyllachora maydis ), gray leaf spot ( Cercospora zeae-maydis ), and southern rust ( Puccinia polysora ), and ear rot diseases such as Gibberella ear rot ( Fusarium graminearum ) can lead to significant yield loss in corn in the United States. These diseases occur when environmental conditions are favorable. This report evaluates fungicide programs for the management of these diseases on corn ( Zea mays ‘P0953AM’, ‘P1136AM’, ‘DKC56-26’ and ‘DKC105-35’). The trial was conducted in 2025 at a research field in West Lafayette, Indiana. Foliar disease severity and yield metrics were collected for each treatment. Results from this study will help inform corn growers in selecting fungicide programs to manage these important diseases.