Fusarium stalk rot

Premature death of plants. Roots often show considerable rot. The crown and inner stalk show significant deterioration identified by a shredded appearance in the lower internodes. The disease is favored by drought stress prior to tasseling followed by warm, wet conditions during the grain-fill period. Choose hybrids with good staygreen and stalk-strength characteristics. Keep nitrogen and potassium levels balanced. Avoid continuous cropping. Control foliar diseases, mites, and corn borers. Balance plant populations with moisture availability.

Taken from Corn Production Handbook, KSU Extension