News

Tar spot found in multiple counties in Ohio as disease continues to spread

Tar spot has been confirmed in Ohio for the first time this year.

Adam Byrne, a technical service manager with FMC, says early season weather patterns created the right environment for disease development.

“We know it’s out there and we know the conditions were right to start the season,” he says. “Now, we just have to manage what’s going to happen for the rest of the season, stay vigilant and be ready for it.”

Tar spot has been found in Darke, Wyandot, Morrow, Clark, Fayette, Pickaway, and Ross counties in Ohio.

Byrne tells Brownfield a single application may not be enough. 

“It’s fast developing, so it can really ramp up in a hurry,” he says. “It’s really a matter of being on top of things and managing our expectations based on the risk.”

Byrne says growers should make at least one fungicide application during the VT to R3 growth stages for the best disease control.

The Crop Protection Network says the disease has also been reported in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

AUDIO: Adam Byrne, FMC