INDIANAPOLIS — Dark brown leaf spots. Loose kernels. Spongy ears. Tar spot is striking fear in a growing number of fields across the Corn Belt. The bright spot for farmers, however, is that there are ways to proactively manage the fast-spreading disease and now is the best time to prepare.
“This is the first season where tar spot has shown up in a noticeable way in western Iowa,” said Tony Moellers, Retail Product Agronomist for the Brevant® seeds brand. “With seed selection for 2023 top of mind, farmers should prepare now for increased pressure next season and select hybrids with genetic protection to give their fields a better chance against the disease.”
After its debut in eastern Midwest states, tar spot is quickly moving west. Alongside ag retail, agronomists for the Brevant seeds brand advise farmers to put tar spot at the top of the list of considerations for 2023 corn seed.
Here are two ways to tackle tar spot next season:
Farmers have become skilled at tackling known corn diseases over the years, but tar spot is still new to many U.S. fields, and it is aggressive. Don’t find out the hard way in 2023. Together with tolerant corn hybrids, fungicides help protect yield potential during grain fill stages and the critical dry down period. For more information about managing tar spot and which corn hybrids can help, visit your local ag retailer and visit Brevant.com/Articles/Tar-spot-ratings.
Brevant® seeds demonstrate agronomic strength in a Jefferson County, Wisconsin, field affected by tar spot. |
Corn leaves infected with tar spot. |
Brevant® seeds is a high-performance corn and soybean brand from Corteva Agriscience that provides industry-leading seed and service exclusively to retail. Brevant seeds sets itself apart by providing a unique way of doing business driven by its field experts teamed with local retailers.
For more information about Brevant seeds in the U.S., visit Brevant.com or follow Brevant on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovations, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.
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Larissa Capriotti
+55 (11) 9 9358-4006
larissa.capriotti@corteva.com
Sarah Petersheim
414-739-4616
spetersheim@bader-rutter.com