Do Fungicides Provide a Benefit to Corn Damaged by Hail?

By Dean Malvick

Hail damage has recently occurred to corn in parts of Minnesota. Some producers and crop consultants are asking about the potential value of applying foliar fungicides to corn damaged by hail. This article will cover key points on this topic.

Why might applying fungicides to hail-damaged corn be beneficial?

A common misconception is that hail damage opens the corn plants to infection and disease that can be controlled with fungicide applications. Few corn diseases in Minnesota are increased by hail damage except for common smut, Goss’s leaf blight and wilt, and possibly stalk rots. However, none of these diseases have been managed effectively with foliar fungicides. In addition, a study in Iowa found that foliar disease was lower in corn plots with simulated hail damage.