Tar spot has been a concern among corn growers in Kansas this year, but another disease may now need to be added to the list!
According to Rodrigo Onofre, a Kansas State Row Crop Pathologist, “I’m here to give you an update on southern rust. We just confirmed as of July 1st that southern rust was identified, found here in Kansas in Sedgwick County, which is the south-central part of the state. Now more than ever, it’s time to intensify our scouting efforts, not just for tar spot but also for southern rust as we’re out there.”
Southern rust thrives in warmer weather conditions similar to what Kansas is currently experiencing.
According to K-State researchers, high-pressure levels of the rust can develop rapidly, necessitating vigilant scouting to determine whether fungicide applications are necessary.
