Tar spot is spreading across the country and it is affecting crops earlier in the season.
As it spreads, farmers need to have a plan in place to protect their corn. An agronomist tells us how planting hybrids could part of the solution, but more needs to be done.
“We mentioned it’s tolerant to tar spot, we’re not resistant to, so even every hybrid can still get a certain level of tar spot infection, so fungicide would be a big benefit to controlling tar spot. I recommend in many cases, especially high-potential situations, two applications of fungicide. Realize if you only can only spray once, the best time is shortly after tassel.”
Joe Stephan says farmers should be scouting their fields early, especially when it is wet. The more moisture in the air, the more likely tar spot will form.
Related:
A closer look at how corn tar spots are affecting MI’s fields
Maximizing Yield Potential: How to battle early corn disease threats during #Plant22
Save your wheat yields from disease with this fungicide management plan
April is “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness” Month!
