Closeup of young corn plantTar spot in corn is still a relatively new disease, entering the scene in 2015. Since then its presence has plagued farmers all across the corn belt with frost-like tinges on leaves often being the first symptom. In Michigan, 100-bushel-per-acre losses last growing season were not uncommon, even among producers who used fungicide. Humidity levels play a large role in the spread of tar spot. Rainfall and fog acts as a double whammy to susceptible plants.

A two-pass approach with fungicides, in conjunction with planting hybrids with a good tar spot rating can help corn growers weather the tar spot storm a little easier this season.

Read more on tar spot in corn here.