From Dr. John Mueller, Extension Nematologist/Plant Pathologist:
Things are picking up speed in the world of corn foliar diseases.
Dr. Kemerait who is my counterpart in Georgia is now reporting Southern rust on corn in Wayne County Georgia. Wayne County is in Southeast Georgia. That is 150 miles from the Edisto REC. With current rain and wind patterns you can be sure spores are blowing towards South Carolina. The following image shows positive Southern rust findings across GA.
We also have a report today from Jonathan Croft of a spot of common rust in Orangeburg County. Remember we are not that concerned with common rust. It is Southern rust that we are concerned about spreading rapidly and causing yield losses. Jonathan Croft is also seeing Northern Corn Leaf Blight and Gray Leaf Spot in Orangeburg County. So far, the progression of the disease appears to be slow, but could change quickly given our weather outlook.
Also, some reports of Gray Leaf spot from Kyle Smith in the Upper Pee Dee, Zach Dantzler in Cameron/St. Matthews and Dr. Plumblee in Lexington County.
Check with the Crop Protection Network or our last news note for the Corn Fungicide Evaluations.
Contact Dr. Plumblee or I if you have questions.
