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Ah, Colorado. A beautiful state. The Rocky Mountains. The splendor. But underneath it all exists something truly horrific. Something that'll eat away at the the root of a corn stalk, weakening the entire system. The Colorado Buffaloes are representative of such horror.
The Colorado Buffaloes are the rootworm of the Big 12 conference.
Most of the damage in corn is caused by larval feeding. Newly hatched rootworms locate corn roots in the soil and initially begin feeding on the fine root hairs and burrow into root tips of the corn plant. As larvae grow larger, they feed on and tunnel into primary roots. When rootworms are abundant, larval feeding and deterioration of injured roots by root rot pathogens can result in roots being pruned to the base of the stalk. Severe root injury interferes with the roots' ability to transport water and nutrients into the plant, reduces plant growth, and results in reduced grain production. Severe root injury also may result in lodging of corn plants, making harvest more difficult.
Makes you shudder, doesn't it? Clearly then the Colorado Buffaloes must be eradicated early and without mercy. Only then may the corn go strong and the harvest be safe.
Lesson of the Day: Eradicate the Buffaloes. Early and often.
Other Corns of the Big 12: