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Tar Spot Showing Early this Year: a Note on Diagnosis

Fruiting bodies of corn disease tar spot

I have so far only received one confirmed report of Tar Spot in the state, but the fact that the disease has been reported in a few neighboring states has some stakeholders asking questions about diagnosis and management. Tar Spot is a relatively easy disease to diagnose. As the name suggests, it usually shows up as raised, black spots, primarily on the leaf blast. The size of the spots may vary, but they all have a very similar appearance – raised, circular-to-irregularly shaped, black spots. However, is you do have trouble with diagnosis, please feel free to send me images and samples (1680 Madison Ave, Wooster, OH 44691).

This is the earliest we have seen Tar Spot in the state since it was first reported in 2018. Results from studies out west suggest that yield losses due to Tar Spot tends to be highest when it develops and spreads before tasseling (VT) on susceptible hybrids. Warm, wet, and humid conditions seem to favor the development and spread of Tar Spot, so keep your eyes on the weather, and watch the progress of the disease. If it continues to spread, a fungicide application may be warranted, but efficacy of fungicides against Tar Spot is still being investigated. Find more details on Tar Spot at: https://crop-protection-network.s3.amazonaws.com/publications/tar-spot-filename-2019-03-25-120313.pdf.

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

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