By Scout Nelson
In this week’s CropCast podcast, hosts Seth Naeve and David Nicolai welcomed Dr. Dean Malvick, a University of Minnesota Extension plant pathologist specializing in corn and soybeans. Dr. Malvick shared valuable insights on hybrid selection and corn tar spot management, essential for farmers to consider when planning their 2025 crop inputs and corn seed choices.
While analyzing yield data from multiple locations in 2024 is critical, Dr. Malvick emphasized that yield stability over time, particularly in relation to disease resistance against corn tar spot, plays a vital role in selecting the best corn hybrids.
He provided a detailed review of corn tar spot biology and its spread across Minnesota and surrounding states during the 2024 season. His discussion included what is currently understood about the disease's progression, as well as how environmental factors, weather, wind, and crop rotations contribute to its spread.
Dr. Malvick highlighted the complexity of managing corn tar spot, explaining that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Effective management involves a combination of factors, including selecting the right hybrid corn, applying foliar fungicides, and properly timing these treatments.
He also emphasized the importance of timely scouting during the growing season to monitor the disease's presence, which helps guide fungicide use.
The CropCast podcast also covered the progress and challenges Minnesota's agronomic crops faced this year. Seth Naeve and David Nicolai, along with various crop specialists, regularly discuss the latest research impacting Minnesota's crops and offer valuable insights for future planting seasons.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, General, Weather