cooling it as fast as you can because the mold will continue growing in the bin if you keep that grain warm and wet. And of course, try not to put it in bins that came from fields without any mold. The main thing is knowing what you have when you get to the bin side of things.”  

Identifying Aspergillus and Gibberella

It’s important to know what type of ear mold you have. The two big ones are Aspergillus flavus and Gibberella, according to Lloyd. 

Aspergillus flavus is associated with heat and dryness and tends to favor southern areas. Lloyd explains the aflatoxins associated with the drab, olive green and dusty mold can lead to load rejections since it’s a carcinogen. 

Roling is more familiar with the pink mold caused by Gibberella that’s more common in the Upper Midwest. It’s associated with vomitoxins that are injurious to animals.  

Grain quality and storability are concerns with other ear rots like Diplodia and Fusarium, but they are not subject to rejection.  

Making smart hybrid choices

“Molds usually need an invitation like a roughed-up husk to enter the plant,” according to Lloyd. Therefore, he says farmers looking to limit their risk of ear molds should select hybrids with long, tight husks rather than loose, open ones. “Any hybrid that is recommended for corn-on-corn tends to handle diseases better in general,” he adds.  

Related:How to ward off armadillos

The other consideration is whether the corn ear turns down earlier in the season. He elaborates, “An upright ear with an open husk will catch rain, and that leads to problems.”  

Check with your AgriGold agronomist for the latest on disease tolerance, including ear rots. They are committed to helping you maximize both the size and quality of your crops – from planting to harvest to bin.  

Source: AgriGold