Agricultural Experts Outline Six Key Strategies for Managing Tar Spot in Corn Crops
Agricultural experts are emphasizing a proactive approach to managing tar spot in corn, a disease caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis. This disease, which has become a significant concern for corn growers across parts of the U.S., can reduce photosynthetic capacity and lead to yield and grain-quality losses under severe conditions. To combat this, six key strategies have been identified. These include knowing the field's history of tar spot, as the pathogen can survive in infected corn residue, making such fields candidates for closer monitoring. Regular and early scouting is crucial for identifying the disease before it becomes widespread. Growers are advised to look for small, raised black spots and the surrounding tan or brown tissue that indicates more severe infections. Environmental conditions, particularly extended periods of moisture, humidity, and moderate temperatures, play a major role in the disease's development and spread, necessitating attention to weather patterns. Hybrid selection is a...
