Virginia Corn Growers Face Spreading Tar Spot Disease, Urged to Increase Vigilance
Corn growers in Virginia are being advised to remain vigilant against tar spot, an emerging fungal disease caused by Phyllachora maydis. First detected in the U.S. in 2015, the disease was confirmed in Virginia in 2022 and has since spread to Augusta, Culpeper, Rockingham, and Shenandoah counties, with photographic evidence also in Page and Madison counties. Tar spot manifests as raised black spots on corn leaves and can be spread through spores and storms. Rosemary Life, Rockingham County agriculture and natural resources Extension agent, noted that traditional disease protection methods, such as crop rotation and fungicide application, may not be fully effective against tar spot due to its airborne spread. Early detection is crucial for control, and growers are encouraged to regularly scout their fields and consider planting corn hybrids with lower susceptibility to the disease. Ideal conditions for the disease include moderate temperatures, high humidity, extended overnight leaf wetness, and frequent fo...
