The potential for corn seeds and plants to become infected with a disease is greatly determined by genetics, use of fungicidal seed treatments, environmental conditions, time in the growing season, and the presence of casual agents (fungal or bacterial pathogens, viral vectors, and nematodes).  

Best management practices (BMPs) for high field potential and quality silage includes corn product selection, planting date, fertility, pest management, fungicides, harvest height, delivery rate, and harvest dry matter (DM) content.