Tar spot comes back every year to pester farmers across the country, and, while the severity is variable throughout the U.S., it is critical for farmers to have a plan to combat it. This year, six of the twelve Corn Belt states have observed tar spot. Adam Theis, U.S. corn portfolio marketing lead with Pioneer, said that, while the overall reach of tar spot may be slightly below average, the states that do have it have it worse than normal.
While we are late in the growing season at this point, Theis said that tar spot still poses a significant threat.
Preventative treatment is key when dealing with tar spot. Theis said that seed selection and proper scouting and spraying should play huge roles in tar spot management plans.
On top of providing fungicides and tar spot-resistant hybrids, Theis said that Pioneer will help farmers score their fields for pressure and adapt their tar spot management practices accordingly.
For more information, visit pioneer.com.
