Tar Spot & Yields: What you need to Know for 2024
Posted on July 26, 2024
The wet conditions that most of the Midwest have seen throughout the 2024 growing season have created the perfect conditions for tar spot. Tar spot appears on the top side of corn leaves as raised, black, circular spots. Tar spot overwinters in crop residue and is released by rain splash or wind that disperses spores to the new crop.
Figure 1. (Photo Credit: Tiffanna Ross, Purdue)
Throughout July, tar spot has spread throughout the Midwest with the continued wet conditions coupled with dry days with high humidity. Below is a map of tar spot in the Midwest.
July 5th, 2024
July 26th, 2024
YIELD LOSSES AND IMPACT
According to the Crop Protection Network, severe tar spot outbreaks can reduce yield by more than 30 bushels per acre. Reduced ear weight, poor kernel fill, loose kernels, and vivipary (a condition in which the seed germinates while still on the cob) contribute to the yield losses. Severe tar spot has also been noted to weaken stalks, creating lodging in fields. Forage quality may also be reduced due to severe tar spot.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Scout, scout, scout! It is important for growers to know where this disease is and how it is developing within their fields. This will help to make management practices more effective within a field. A fungicide application can help to slow the development of tar spot within the growing season. Adding a foliar fertilizer with a fungicide application can provide nutrients to the crop to help boost crop health and increase yields.
Check out The Andersons High Yield Corn Solutions program and see how our products can work with your fungicide applications.
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