corn stunt

noun

: a serious disease of corn that is characterized by stunted growth, poorly developed ears, and yellowish or reddish discoloration of the leaves

Note: Corn stunt typically occurs from the southern U.S. to South America. It is caused by a spiroplasma (Spiroplasma kunkelii) transmitted by leafhoppers (especially Dalbulus maidis).

Some corn stunt losses may have been averted this year by a strategy in which farmers plant earlier—during March, mostly—because heat seems to be linked to increased populations of the disease-carrying leafhopper.Dennis Pollock, Fresno Bee, 26 July 2002

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corn stunt was in 1963

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Cite this Entry

“Corn stunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corn%20stunt. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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