Corn Diseases to Watch for in 2016: Southern Rust and Tar Spot

Dr. Carl A. Bradley, UK Extension Plant Pathologist

Orange pustules of the southern rust pathogen
covering a corn leaf (Photo: Carl Bradley, UK)

Two corn diseases are already making some news this season. Southern rust and tar spot have been detected in southern states and could potentially make their way to Kentucky this season. So, keeping a lookout for these two diseases is a good idea.

For more information on Southern Rust and Tar Spot see the article on Kentucky Pest News .

New Corn Disease Found in Bordering States

Carl A. Bradley, University of Kentucky Extension Plant Pathologist
Originally posted in KPN

Tar spot of corn, a foliar disease caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis, recently was found in the United States for the first time. The disease was confirmed in Indiana and Illinois. Pictures of the disease and more information about the locations where its presence was confirmed are available online in the Pest & Crop Newsletter (Purdue Cooperative Extension Service) and the Bulletin (University of Illinois Extension).

It is important to document if this disease is present in Kentucky. If symptoms similar to those shown in the articles referenced above are found in Kentucky, samples should be submitted to one of the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratories (located in Princeton and Lexington) via a county Extension agent.