Which of the following methods can help manage corn foliage diseases?

Planting disease-resistant hybrids is a fundamental strategy for managing corn foliage diseases. This approach involves selecting corn varieties that have been bred or genetically modified to resist specific pathogens, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks and minimizing the need for chemical treatments. By cultivating plants that can withstand disease pressure, farmers can enhance crop health, improve yields, and reduce losses associated with diseases that can thrive under certain environmental conditions.

In contrast, other options do not effectively address the management of foliage diseases. For example, high-density planting can sometimes increase disease severity by promoting a more humid microclimate and enhancing pathogen spread due to closer plant interactions. Applying herbicides indiscriminately may not impact foliage diseases directly and can also lead to negative environmental effects. Finally, avoiding crop rotation can create a conducive environment for pathogens since continuous planting of corn can lead to a buildup of disease-causing organisms in the soil, heightening the risk of infection in subsequent crops. Therefore, planting disease-resistant hybrids remains the superior choice in disease management strategies for corn foliage.