Tar Spot on the Move
Sep 11, 2024
Tar spot is making its way into Federated’s service areas, becoming more widespread as the season progresses.
Mike Slater, Federated ag sales rep, has been watching a specific area near the border of Washington and Chisago counties this summer. Tar spot’s presence is growing. (Photo shows significant tar spot found in that geography.) The levels of tar spot infection vary from light to heavy, but it’s been easily found in both Wright and Chisago county corn fields.
Tar spot has been in Pierce County, WI, for several years, according to a local seed agronomist, but now that it’s crossed the river, both Wisconsin and Minnesota growers need to be aware.
Awareness is the key, according to Kevin Carlson, Federated’s agronomy sales manager. Though this season’s arrival of tar spot is too late to address (unless you can quickly enlist the services of an aerial applicator), tar spot will remain in the crop reside – and consequently, it can be a bigger problem next year.
The earlier tar spot arrives in a field, the more devastating it is. There are preventative and remedial options:
Be aware of what is happening in your fields this year – scout them – and then prepare to prevent tar spot next year with effective crop and pest management. This Croplan article further discusses why tar spot is concerning.
Talk to your Federated Agronomist with any questions. This link offers some additional help as you scout your fields for tar spot.
Mike Slater, Federated ag sales rep, has been watching a specific area near the border of Washington and Chisago counties this summer. Tar spot’s presence is growing. (Photo shows significant tar spot found in that geography.) The levels of tar spot infection vary from light to heavy, but it’s been easily found in both Wright and Chisago county corn fields.
Tar spot has been in Pierce County, WI, for several years, according to a local seed agronomist, but now that it’s crossed the river, both Wisconsin and Minnesota growers need to be aware.
Awareness is the key, according to Kevin Carlson, Federated’s agronomy sales manager. Though this season’s arrival of tar spot is too late to address (unless you can quickly enlist the services of an aerial applicator), tar spot will remain in the crop reside – and consequently, it can be a bigger problem next year.
The earlier tar spot arrives in a field, the more devastating it is. There are preventative and remedial options:
- First, plant a hybrid with rated tar spot tolerance.
- Second, be sure to rotate crops. “Corn on corn is not a good option,” said Carlson.
- Third, use fungicides – and remember that even the most effective products require multiple foliar applications.
Be aware of what is happening in your fields this year – scout them – and then prepare to prevent tar spot next year with effective crop and pest management. This Croplan article further discusses why tar spot is concerning.
Talk to your Federated Agronomist with any questions. This link offers some additional help as you scout your fields for tar spot.