Tar spot is a relatively new disease to Iowa in the grand scheme of things. It has only been here a few years. It seems to prefer areas where heavy dew or rains are present. So how do you find this disease? What areas of Iowa are primarily affected this year? And what options do you have to treat the disease?
Zachary Trower is an Agronomic Service Representative with Syngenta in Eastern Iowa. He says that there have been flair-ups already, which is early. Usually, it is found anywhere in the eastern half of the state. This year, we are seeing instances in DeWitt and the Quad Cities.
Tar spot is a very aggressive disease that forms black legions on the corn plant. Once a plant reaches 40-50% infection, it will likely just die. Trower talks about what to look for in the fields.
Trower says the best defense against tar spot is a good offense. He says the disease is not a see-and-spray type of infection. When you start to see the symptoms, you may already be too late. By the time you see the legions, your corn may have been infected for 3-6 weeks already. That doesn?t mean you shouldn?t try to treat your plants, but it means you may have a tougher time. Syngenta?s Miravis? NEO can help you get the jump on tar spot, and keep your corn protected with multiple modes of action.
For more information on Miravis? NEO, visit the Syngenta website or your local retailer.
