Purdue Agronomy Farm Corn Leaf Blight (791805)
The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of a
non-systematic fungus disease, southern corn leaf blight
(Helminthosporium maydis), on the multispectral reflectance and
radiant temperature of corn. Southern corn leaf blight is an example
of a non-systematic fungus disease capable of significantly reducing
the photosynthesis capacity of corn. The specific objectives of the
experiment were to determine the relationship of disease severity
level to the spectral characteristics of corn. The factorial treatments
included 2 Hybrids and 3 Leaf Blight Treatments (non, early and late
inoculation). The early and late inoculation provided two different
levels of disease severity at any given measurement date. The
experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design
with two replications. After the disease became established (about
July 1) measurements of reflectance and radiant temperatures were
to be made with the Exotech 20C and PRT-5 sensors at weekly
intervals until maturity. In addition to the standard agronomic
characterization of the canopy the degree of infection (loss of green
leaf area) was measured. Inclement weather in August and loss of
one of the hybrids due to poor germination severely limited data
collection on this experiment.