For corn growers, unseen threats can be the most damaging, especially when it comes to nematodes — tiny soil-dwelling pests that can devastate a crop’s potential before it even gets a chance to thrive. When nematodes burrow into the roots of young corn plants, the damage often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
Why Nematodes Are a Growing Concern
While there are several threats to early crop vigor, nematodes are by far one of the most costly to U.S. corn production. Between 2012 and 2022, nematodes were responsible for the loss of an estimated 71 million bushels of corn each year — more than double the damage caused by root rots and about one-third more than seedling blights.
What makes nematodes particularly problematic is their ability to go unnoticed. Symptoms of nematode damage are often mistaken for other issues like herbicide injury, fertilizer problems, or drought stress. Even more concerning, nematode-induced yield loss can occur without any visible above-ground symptoms.
Identifying and Managing Nematode Damage
Growers should start by scouting for early season symptoms. Above-ground signs of nematode damage include wilting, yellowing, and uneven growth, while late-season symptoms can manifest as poor ear development, weak plant structures, and inconsistent tasseling. Below the surface, nematode feeding can cause swelling at the root tips, necrotic lesions, and a lack of fine root hairs. Severe infestations often lead to “stubby root” syndrome, where root growth is stunted.
The best way to combat nematodes is via integrated management. Growers should maintain adequate fertility, practice effective weed control, and rotate crops as needed to reduce nematode populations in the soil. They now also have the firepower of a powerful new weapon against nematodes, Bayer’s Acceleron N-314 Seed Treatment .
Launched in 2024, Acceleron N-314 is the first-ever seed treatment to combine two modes of action—both chemistry and biological agents — into a single product, offering comprehensive protection from early planting through harvest.
Acceleron N-314 brings together the nematicide Fluopyram with Bacillus firmus, a biological product that acts as a living barrier around the plant’s roots. Fluopyram is lethal to nematodes at all stages of their lifecycle, while Bacillus firmus enhances root health and fortifies the plant against attacks. This combination creates a broad-spectrum shield that defends against nematodes throughout the growing season.
The treatment is now available as part of Bayer’s Acceleron Elite package on select corn products, including seeds with VT4PRO and SmartStax PRO with RNAi Technology.
The Future of Corn Seed Protection
With the introduction of Acceleron N-314, Bayer continues to lead the charge in protecting corn crops from early-season threats. The company plans to expand the availability of this new seed treatment across its broader corn portfolio, giving more growers access to the latest advancements in nematode control. It’s a major leap forward in nematode protection which offers both exceptional defense as well as support of the overall health and resilience of corn plants.
