If you have ear molds, proper drying and storage is extremely important.

Powdery mold starting at the tip of the ear

Common in dry/drought years. Damaged silks or kernels from insects or hail

White to gray; severe infections can cause the entire ear to be white or brown

Normally starts at the base of the ear and moves toward the tip. Grows in between kernels, speck-sized black, fungal, fruiting bodies can form on the husk and kernels

Residue left over from previous corn crop. Rain within two weeks of silking, insect and bird damage to ears. Conservation tillage and corn after corn

Not known to produce mycotoxins, but caution feeding to cattle and sheep

 White streaks in the kernel resembling a star-burst pattern, individual kernels scattered across the ear

Hot, dry weather near flowering, damaged kernels from cracks and insects

 Often begins near the tip and grows down the ear

Infections favored by wet, cool weather right after silking. Corn-after-corn or corn-after-wheat

 Vomotoxin, can be toxic to humans and livestock, especially swine

 Powdery mold between kernels and starts at the ear tip

Damaged kernels from insects, hail, and frost

IF YOU HAVE EAR MOLDS, PROPER DRYING AND STORAGE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

Steps to reduce the spread of molds when 

Harvest corn early, around 22 to 25 percent moisture

Adjust your combine to maximize cleaning; more fan speed can “blow” out damaged kernels

Corn should be dried to less than 15 percent moisture within 48 hours of harvest

Long-term storage of grain should be dried to 13.5 percent moisture

Corn should be stored at 35° to 45° F after drying

Check grain in bins often, stirring and aerating if needed.

Plant traited corn with above-ground insect protection

Change hybrids in corn-after-corn fields 

Plant a range of maturities of corn to spread out pollination