By Scout Nelson
Kansas corn growers have a new concern this year: southern rust. In addition to the ongoing worries about tar spot, southern rust has been detected in the state, specifically in Sedgwick County, located in south-central Kansas.
Rodrigo Onofre, a Kansas State Row Crop Pathologist, confirmed the presence of the disease on July 1st.
“I’m here to give you an update on southern rust. We just confirmed as of July 1st that southern rust was identified, found here in Kansas in Sedgwick County, which is the south-central part of the state.
Now more than ever, it’s time to intensify our scouting efforts, not just for tar spot but also for southern rust as we’re out there,” said Onofre.
Southern rust thrives in the warmer weather conditions currently experienced in Kansas. According to K-State researchers, high-pressure levels of the rust can develop rapidly, making vigilant scouting essential to determine the need for fungicide applications.
This disease can spread quickly and cause significant damage if not managed promptly.
Corn growers are advised to monitor their fields closely and take necessary actions to protect their crops. Increased scouting efforts are crucial to detect early signs of both southern rust and tar spot, enabling timely and effective treatments.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Corn