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Southern rust on corn confirmed in two Indiana counties

Southern rust on corn has been moving north and has now been confirmed in two Indiana counties.

Kiersten Wise, a plant pathologist with the University of Kentucky says southern rust can impact yield.  “If it arrives at a time when corn is tasselling, silking, or even into blister we can see some yield loss if conditions are favorable for the disease,” she says.

She tells Brownfield the potential for yield loss due to southern rust is higher this year due to the delayed growth stages of corn.  “Pay attention to the confirmations that are coming out of the diagnostic lab,” she says.  “If southern rust is in the area scout your fields and if it is there and corn is at a sensitive growth stage (that tasselling through milk stage) you might consider a fungicide application to protect the plant.”

Wise says when deciding if a fungicide application is warranted farmers should consider the growth stage of the crop, its yield potential, and the weather conditions.

She says if growers suspect southern rust they should send samples to the plant diagnostics lab for confirmation.

Purdue has confirmed southern rust in Parke and Pike counties and a spokesperson for the lab anticipates the number to grow.

AUDIO: Kiersten Wise, University of Kentucky

 

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