Kansas Farmers Warned to Scout for Tar Spot, Southern Rust, and Corn Leafhoppers

Across Kansas, farmers are being warned to scout their cornfields now for tar spot, southern rust, and corn leafhoppers, which have been reported in various parts of the state through August. The Corn Disease Network, a collaboration between Kansas Corn and the Kansas State University Department of Plant Pathology, is actively monitoring reports of these yield-robbing diseases and pests.

Corn leafhoppers were detected as early as July 30 in south-central and central Kansas counties, including Barber, Pratt, Stafford, Pawnee, Barton, Rice, Reno, and Labette. These insects are the vectors for corn stunt disease complex, but all reported instances have tested negative for corn stunt spiroplasma so far.

Rodrigo Onofre, a K-State plant pathologist, and Anthony Zukoff, a K-State Extension entomologist, warn farmers not to wait to scout their fields. They note that late-planted corn and double-cropped corn are at higher risk of yield impact than early-planted corn.

Meanwhile, tar spot has been confirmed in 12 Kansas counties, stretching across the northern border and northeastern tip of the state. Farmers should intensify their scouting now rather than later, as waiting for significant disease pressure may be too late to help.