Southern Corn Rust, Rainy Weather, Peanut Fungicides

Southern Corn Rust

To date (6/2/26) no southern corn rust has been found in GA.

It is typically found in NW FLA or SW corner of GA first then works its way into our area. Southern corn rust will have pustules on only the top surface of the leaf; while Common Corn Rust will have pustules on top and bottom of infected leaves.

Rainy Weather Issues

Wet field conditions have prevented plantings and make for great opportunities to get stuck in the mud when riding along fields. Cooler, wetter weather (in peanuts) shuts down Aspergillus crown rot seedling disease which favors hot soil surfaces, and also creates unfavorable conditions for white mold. However conditions will be favorable for continued seedling blight diseases of cotton and also southern rust of corn. Peanut fungicide sprays are coming up for some fields while others have yet to be planted.

What (Fungicides) to Spray on Peanuts?

This question comes up each year. The peanut disease risk index can be of great value here. Click 2026 Peanut Rx to find out your field’s vulnerability to disease. Also we are fortunate to have generated years worth of data here in Cook County – thank you Mr. Franks – evaluating multiple peanut fungicide programs for disease control and yield. Please call me (Tucker 229-507-8862) if you would like to discuss peanut fungicide program options. Below are “Peanut Fungicides and their Pre-Harvest Intervals” from the 2026 UGA Peanut Quick Reference Guide.

Image of Japanese beetle on leaf. — Japanese beetle on cotton leaf in Tifton yesterday. I’ve seen these in N GA mountains but never this far south. I smashed this one.

Image of dead squash plant affected by squash vine borer. — Individual dead squash plant – check base of plant for squash vine borer damage. The stem at base of infected plant will be hollowed or chewed out. Watch for vine borer moths. Bifenthrin is effective if they are present and active.