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Growers continue spraying for tar spot

A crop protection specialist says tar spot is one of his biggest concerns for the rest of the growing season.

Dan Waldstein, technical marketing manager with BASF, says reports of the disease have been variable across the Corn Belt. “You really have to be proactive. If you wait until you see the symptoms, you’ve already given that disease a two-week head start.”

Speaking to Brownfield at the 2024 Ag PhD Field Day near Sioux Falls, South Dakota,he said fungicide applications will be critical. “We’ve got to get in there and make the applications timely. If the weather conditions are right for disease and you’ve seen that disease in particular or whatever disease you’re dealing with in that field, you’ve got to be proactive and not wait.”

Waldstein says two rounds of fungicide could be needed in high pressure areas.