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Tar spot gaining foothold in southern Illinois/Indiana

An agronomist with Golden Harvest says management of tar spot is on farmer’s minds as they plan for 2025.

Nate Prater, who covers the southern third of Illinois and portions of southwestern Indiana, tells Brownfield…

“We saw tar spot come in on some of the April planted corn, especially over in the southeast side of the state or in southwest Indiana, fairly early.”  He says, “You know, right after tassel around the 4th of July timeframe.”

He says it’s the first year the disease has been widespread so early in the growing season.

“It did affect some hybrids.”  He says, “With that disease we’re learning about it, and how it overwinters, and it along with southern rust, are going to be some hurdles that we’re gonna have to be prepared for as we go into the future.”

Prater says hybrid selection is the first step towards management.

“I know what hybrids can withstand it.”  He says, “I know hybrids that have a good tolerance to it. They might get tar spot, but it doesn’t affect their yield as much, or it doesn’t affect their stalk quality. And then I know there’s hybrids that we keep a really close eye on and manage a little bit. I know every seed company is sort of doing the same thing.”

He says farmers should also consider fungicide applications and work closely with their seed representative to formulate a tar spot plan.

AUDIO: Nate Prater – Golden Harvest agronomist