Goss’s Bacterial Wilt and Leaf Blight of Corn

Abstract

Goss's bacterial wilt and leaf blight (Goss’s wilt) was first recorded in Nebraska in the late 1960s and is now distributed widely in most states throughout the Corn Belt. The disease was first detected on field corn in southeastern Arizona in 2018. The disease affects all corn types, in particular susceptible hybrids. When cool, wet conditions favorable to infection prevail early in the season (65-85oF and free surface water), highly susceptible hybrids may be subject to significant yield loss due to this disease.