Goss’s wilt is caused by a bacterial pathogen, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis, that overwinters in residue of corn and several other grasses.
Historically, damage to corn by Goss’s wilt had been confined mostly to the Great Plains states.
In recent years, significant crop damage has also been reported in central Corn Belt states (Figure 1).
Disease severity can range from minor injury to devastating damage resulting in grain yield losses approaching 50% (Harveson, 2011).