The podcast discusses an update on corn diseases, with a focus on tar spot in corn fields. The speaker, Dr. Pierce Paul, highlights the factors that contribute to tar spot development, such as rainfall patterns and spore movement from neighboring states. Recommendations are provided for scouting and fungicide application timing for tar spot, as well as other common corn diseases like gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight. The importance of hybrid resistance and fungicide selection is also emphasized. Additionally, the discussion briefly touches on wheat diseases like head scab during wheat harvest season. Listeners are directed to the Agronomy and farm management podcast for further updates and information on crop diseases.
Corn Disease Update: Monitoring and Management
Are you a farmer gearing up to make key fungicide decisions for your corn crops? As we head into the summer season, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest updates on corn diseases like tar spot, gray leaf spot, and northern corn leaf blight. In this episode of the Agronomy and Farm Management Podcast, we dive into the insights shared by Dr. Pierce Paul, a leading expert in corn pathology at The Ohio State University.
Tar Spot: Understanding the Risks
Last year, many farmers in Ohio experienced unprecedented levels of tar spot, a disease that can rapidly turn green fields brown. Dr. Pierce Paul explains that monitoring weather conditions, especially rainfall spread out across the growing season, can provide helpful cues for potential tar spot outbreaks. Frequent rainfall paired with spores from neighboring states, like Michigan and Indiana, can elevate the risk of tar spot in certain regions.
Scouting and Treatment Recommendations
Scouting for tar spot should begin as early as the V stages, with a critical focus in July when lesions start appearing. Dr. Paul suggests using fungicides with a mixture of active ingredients, such as triazoles and QoIs, for effective tar spot control. Hybrid selection plays a crucial role too, as some hybrids show better resistance to tar spot than others.
Managing Common Diseases: Gray Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight
While tar spot remains a concern, farmers should not overlook common diseases like gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight. Scouting these diseases once a week from late V stages to early R stages can help detect any emerging issues. Hybrid resistance information provided by seed companies can guide the selection of suitable hybrids to mitigate disease risks.
Timing and Application Strategies
When it comes to fungicide applications, a window between tasseling and brown silk is ideal for maximum protection. Dr. Paul emphasizes the importance of timing applications based on disease development and hybrid susceptibility. While fungicides can provide effective control against multiple diseases, it’s essential to consider cost-effectiveness and residual effects when choosing a fungicide program.
Wheat Harvest Considerations
As wheat harvest kicks off, being proactive about managing diseases like Fusarium head blight (head scab) is crucial. Adjusting combine settings to remove scabby kernels can help reduce mycotoxin levels in the harvested grain. The podcast also touches on the variability in disease levels and shares practical advice for wheat farmers gearing up for a successful harvest season.
Stay Informed with the Core Newsletter
For ongoing updates on disease trends, risk models, and management strategies, Dr. Paul recommends tuning into the Core Newsletter. This valuable resource will provide timely information to help farmers navigate the evolving challenges of corn diseases throughout the season.
As you prepare for the upcoming growing season, staying informed, vigilant, and proactive in scouting for corn diseases will be key to safeguarding your crops. By following best practices and leveraging expert insights, farmers can make informed decisions to protect their corn yields and optimize their harvest success. Join us again in two weeks for the next episode of the Agronomy and Farm Management Podcast. Remember, information is power on the path to a successful farming season.
