Tar spot of corn: A new threat to Kansas corn
Tar spot of corn has been officially detected for the first time in Kansas. Two counties in northeast Kansas have confirmed cases of tar spot. Tar spot was first detected in the US in 2015 and has quickly spread thoughout the Midwest. Now is the critical time to identify fields with tar spot as these locations could be at a higher risk for 2023.
Tar spot of corn is now confirmed in five counties in Kansas
Tar spot of corn has now been confirmed in five counties in northeast Kansas. Tar spot lesions are black, raised and have a round/elliptical shape. This pathogen can survive in crop residue. Producers are encouraged to scout any standing corn fields. Fields with confirmed causes should be harvested last if possible to mitigate disease spread.