COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists have confirmed the first case of corn stunt in Missouri. The disease, which is transmitted by an insect, was found in southwest Missouri.

Corn leafhopper is the insect capable of infecting corn with three pathogens that results in corn stunt disease. Corn stunt symptoms begin with yellowing or reddening of leaf tips, followed by growth of multiple small ears with loose or missing kernels, plant size reduction and deformed grain. Substantial yield losses can occur in affected areas.