Hey y’all, I am thankful we got some rain this past weekend. A lot of the thirsty corn last week looks to be a little bit happier this week! On average it showed around 4.5 inches across the county the last 7 days. My rain gauge showed 5 near the office. I wanted to share another update by Bob Kemerait, that was timely with the weather we have been having.

“Warm and wet weather does several things:

1. Warm weather is conducive for development and spread of fungal pathogens that cause disease.

2. Wet weather with high humidity is favorable for infection by fungal pathogens.

3. Sporulation (production of spores) is increased during wet weather increasing chance of spread. 

4. Spores are more easily moved in rain-splash, wind, and blowing rain.

5. Periods of wet weather can delay growers from making timely fungicide applications.

6.  Warm wet weather is good for growth and development of a crop, increasing the amount of plant tissue that is vulnerable to infection and that needs to be protected.

Specifics today:


Soybeans-  we know soybean rust is active now in kudzu across southern Georgia. That is the “spark”.  This weather is like “gasoline” to that spark, so I expect soybean rust to spread further in kudzu and eventually to soybeans.  As growers, you will need to be prepared when your beans start to bloom.

Corn-  still no southern corn rust found in Georgia, but I will be surprised if we don’t find it soon.  Much of our corn is approaching tassel, a critical stage for protecting the crop IF rust or other diseases threaten.

PEANUTS-  much of our peanut crop is approaching (or has reached) 30 days after planting.  30-45 days after planting is CRITICAL for initiating a fungicide program, especially now.

Whether you start at 30 days or wait until 45 days after planting depends on:

1. Peanut Rx Risk Index scores, especially variety and rotation factors

2.  What products you will spray first (some need to be sprayed at 30, some can wait until 45)

3. Whether or not Velum was used in furrow


Given that conditions are favorable, it wouldn’t hurt to include something early-season for white mold control, though most major white mold programs begin at 60 days. 

PLEASE! Do not wait beyond 45 days to begin your program!”