Corn tar spot could broaden its scope across the midwest this growing season.
Nathan Kleczewski, a plant pathologist at the University of Illinois, states that last year tar spot expanded further west in Iowa, further south in Illinois and Indiana, and further east in Michigan. It was also detected in more counties in Wisconsin and Ohio and made its first appearance in southern Minnesota and northeast Missouri.
He says that farmers in those areas should be scouting for black lesions around the time canopies close and notify their state extension specialist if tar spot is found. The disease is now endemic to the region and experts are working to learn more about the disease and expand management options.
To track the appearance of tar spot, click HERE.