Disease

Southern rust has now been confirmed in at least 15 states, and with high heat and humidity this week, along with strong winds, agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout their corn fields, as conditions are ripe for the disease to spread.

Both diseases are showing up earlier this summer than last year, according to Daren Mueller, Iowa State University plant pathologist. He says a new interactive tool from the Crop Protection Network can help farmers locate these diseases, and others, faster.

Many early-planted soybeans in the Midwest are in the R2 to R3 growth stages now, ideal treatment timing for most disease issues. Agronomists offer three reminders to help you make the call — plus a fourth tip on herbicide rescue treatments.

Unlike most leaf diseases, tar spot starts impacting the crop at the bottom of plants. That means fungicides you apply must penetrate and get deep into the crop canopy to provide effective treatment. If you opt to not treat the disease, consider making plans to harvest early and pre-booking some dryer gas.

Wheat streak mosaic virus decimated some fields this season, say K-State Extension specialists. The problem is also showing up and expanding in other key wheat-producing states. What farmers do this fall will determine whether the disease is reined in or takes off again next season.

With product and application costs totaling between $30 and $40 per acre, farmers will be taking a harder look at where they make the investment this season.

David Hula believes a high-quality carrier is so critical to the performance of his crop protection products that he loads and hauls all the water to the local airport that his aerial applicator uses.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announces plans to reopen Moore Air Base in Texas as a New World screwworm sterile fly distribution facility. Long-term production is anticipated to be 300 million sterile flies per week.

Now’s the time to be scouting for the disease, especially where the inoculum is present. Tracking weather data, particularly daily humidity levels, can help you keep an eye on tar spot this season.

Alex Harrell, soybean world record holder, says the technology helps him make more accurate and timely foliar product applications, while costing less than using a ground rig or an airplane.