The K-State Research and Extension Office is advising growers of a new corn disease that’s emerged in the region, that if left unchecked could inflict costly yield damage. .
It’s called tar spot, and has spread from the corn belt west. K-State row crop disease specialist Rodrigo Onofre is advising corn growers to become more familiar with it.
Onofre says the fortunate thing is that specified fungicide treatments will knock the disease back, but it requires early detection.
Tar spot is a new disease threat to Kansas corn production, Onofre advised growers to learn more about it ahead of spring planting. He strongly advised, individuals who think they may have an outbreak to contact their agency to send a sample in to be tested.
