Foliar disease update: Telenko shares latest on tar spot, southern corn rust

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Foliar diseases are popping up in cornfields, with gray leaf spot most prevalent, according to an update from Purdue Extension plant pathologist Darcy Telenko.

“During our application of our silking fungicide trials this week, we observed significant gray leaf spot in the lower canopy of our susceptible hybrid planted our continuous no-till field,” Telenko said.

“The Crop Risk Tool has indicated high risk conditions for gray leaf spot, so our observations were not unexpected.”

Southern corn rust has now been confirmed in several areas across Indiana, as well.

“We have also observed northern corn leaf blight, curvularia leaf spot and tar spot at many of our research sites across the state,” the plant pathologist said.

Telenko expects tar spot to increase in severity and move higher in the canopy over the next few weeks.

“Continued scouting will be important to monitor disease progression and assess potential management needs,” she said.

For fungicide application tips, read her complete article at tinyurl.com/Foliar-Disease-Update-7-31.