Maybe you’ve got ugly tar spot on your sweet corn plants. Maybe more than one spot. Or maybe you’ve got no spots at all…yet. But either way, I’m on this — and so is the guy who wrote to me last week. He said he’s heading back up to his cabin next month, and didn’t want me to have any surprises waiting for him. That is, he wanted to know what he can do about the corn disease known as Tar Spot Fungus . If you’re planting corn, spring is the time to be watchful for a fungal infection of corn called tar spot. A common concern is that if you use a fungicide at this stage, it might hurt yield potential of your corn crop. But in this article I’ll show you why using a fungicide for tar spot in corn is not only harmless, but beneficial to your yield potential! If you like to farm, chances are considerable effort is put into your field prior to planting season. This applies to all methods of farming including organic and conventional. While the “looks” of a field may not be much of an issue for some, others want their fields to be perfect including the organic ones. Organic farmers will do things like rotate crops, use cover crops and other techniques to ensure their fields are ready for the next growing season in spring. Those looking at this article on Best Fungicide For Tar Spot In Corn have likely got something on their hands right now and simply want help in treating tar spot disease.

Best Fungicide For Tar Spot In Corn

Introduction

A new disease affecting corn crops, tar spot, is emerging in the United States. Tar spot has historically been found in Mexico and Central America, but it began to emerge in the U.S. Midwest in 2015. This is bad news for farmers as they now have to contend with another fungal disease that can decrease crop yield and cause concern among consumers. At this time, the most effective way to protect a corn crop from tar spot is to apply a fungicide containing either Aproach (a proprietary active ingredient), Propiconazole, or Proline (the active ingredient).

What is tar spot?

Tar spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black tar-like spots on the leaves of corn plants. It is not a yield-affecting disease and can be managed with fungicides.

Tar Spot is Caused by the Fungus Cladosporium maculans

Tar spot occurs in humid areas under high rainfall, where many plant diseases seem to thrive. It’s most common in the southeastern United States but has been found throughout the Midwest as well.

Research on fungicides to manage tar spot

Tar spot is a common disease in corn. It is caused by the fungus Cochliobolus carbonum and occurs throughout North America. Tar spot causes an unsightly discoloration on leaves, stalks, and ears of corn plants. The fungal spores that cause tar spot are spread through rain splashing or wind-driven rain during wet periods in the spring and early summer. Tar spot is more common when there are many rainy days in a row during late spring or early summer—a warm period after a cool period tends to favor this disease development.

Recent research has shown that applying fungicide to protect against tar spot can reduce yield loss from this damaging disease

At this time, the most effective way to protect a corn crop from tar spot is to apply a fungicide containing either Aproach, Propiconazole, or Proline.

Currently, the most effective way to protect a corn crop from tar spot is to apply a fungicide containing either Aproach, Propiconazole, or Proline. These products are all systemic and prevent spores from producing mycelia (root-like structures). There are advantages and disadvantages to each available option:

• Aproach is used for seed treatment only; it has low resistance but high efficacy.
• Propiconazole is used for seed treatment and seedling treatment; it has medium resistance but high efficacy.
• Proline is also used for seed treatment and seedling treatment; it has very low resistance but high efficacy.

Conclusion

This year, you might consider applying one of the following fungicides to protect your corn plants from tar spot: Propiconazole, Aproach, or Proline. This will not only help prevent fungal infections, but it will also protect the leaves from other damaging diseases and insects that can cause a significant yield loss. As always, be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for proper application because each one of these products is intended for use in different situations (corn maturity stage).