Southern Corn Rust has been found in SW Georiga, as of June 9, 2025, in Seminole and Tift Counties. Dr. Kemerait estimates that the rust in Tifton has been there for about 10 days. Be on the lookout for Rust here in Southeast Georgia. If found, Which fungicide do I use? Single-mode-of-action products will give about 2 weeks of protection. Mixed-mode-of-action products should give 3 weeks of protection. The weather now is quite favorable for infection and spread.
Comments from Bob:
“Bob, are you saying every corn field in south GA should be sprayed with a fungicide now?”
No, I am not saying that
1. If your corn is not tasseling yet, I would not spray.
2. If your corn is non-irrigated with low yield potential I would not spray.
3. If you have a jam-up scout closely monitoring a field and no rust is found, and you can get a plane when it is found, I would not spray.
4. If your corn is hard-dough and beyond, no need to spray
5. If you think Bob just wants to spend your money and make distributors happy, you may decide not to spray, but do so carefully.
