Newly identified disease of corn and sorghum may be mistaken for iron deficiency
Why it matters: This discovery prevents farmers from wasting money on misdiagnosed crop issues, safeguarding global food production.
- Ken Obasa and Dennis Coker of Texas A&M AgriLife identified a new bacterial pathogen, Pantoea agglomerans, responsible for a disease mimicking iron deficiency in corn and sorghum.
- The disease, named Pantoea-Induced Interveinal Chlorosis (PIC), causes lemon-green foliar discoloration, stunting, and reduced reproductive growth, potentially leading to significant crop loss.
- Farmers risk applying expensive and ineffective iron supplements due to the disease's deceptive symptoms, making accurate diagnosis crucial for cost-saving and effective crop management.
- Initial observations in the Texas Panhandle in 2023 led to the discovery, but the implications for farmers are global, underscoring the need for widespread awareness and testing.
A newly identified bacterial disease, Pantoea-Induced Interveinal Chlorosis (PIC), is causing significant concern for corn and sorghum farmers by mimicking iron deficiency, leading to potentially costly and ineffective treatments. Researchers Ken Obasa and Dennis Coker discovered the pathogen, Pantoea agglomerans, after observing unusual symptoms in Texas wild grasses and later in nearby crop fields, highlighting a critical need for accurate diagnosis.
