Tar spots put Corn Belt on alert

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Tar spots put Corn Belt on alert

Tar spots have already been detected in several Corn Belt states, putting farmers on alert.

“If you find it in the other states around us, it’s more likely that it’s here, too.”

AgriGold agronomist Kevin Gale said the discovery of the disease at this early stage is a cause for concern.

“Pay attention to the environment,” he says. “You know, high humidity, cool temperatures and rain. If there’s a rainy period, like five days of rain, that’s the perfect environment for tar spots.”

He advises affected brownfield farmers to consider using fungicides.

“Really think about the time frame from VT to R2.” He says, “I think a lot of growers plan for fungicide treatment at the time of flowering, and that portion of grain fill is extremely important to maximize yield.”

Gale says recent drier, hotter weather conditions will slow the development of tar spots, but farmers should continue to monitor their crops for the presence of these spots.

Gale and other AgriGold agronomists briefed farmers Tuesday at the 2024 AgriGold Specialty Products Conference near Champaign, Illinois.

Photo: Gale and other AgriGold agronomists

AUDIO: Kevin Gale – AgriGold regional agronomist