A website from UGA Cooperative Extension

Corn:  Southern corn rust is now confirmed in 7 adjoining fields in Baker County.  I don’t think it is a coincidence that we are finding it now; development is following the rain periods of recent weeks.  I expect (stay tuned) to have more identified very soon.  Bottom line:  I think that the amount of southern rust is fairly low in the state right now, but that could change fairly quickly.  Wind and more wind yesterday and rains certainly were PERFECT for moving spores.

 Recommendation:  Any corn in the dough/dent stage as of now, i would likely not advise spraying for rust in SW Georgia, or anywhere else.  Corn in  late milk stage, I would likely not spray either, because, again, the amount of rust is low.  Any corn in SW Georgia that is at early milk, silking or tasseling stages in SW Georgia, I would certainly think about protecting with a fungicide.

 IF YOU THINK YOU FIND SOUTHERN RUST, PLEASE LET US KNOW

 Peanuts:  We are in a combat situation I believe now with white mold.  I am getting pictures of young plants that are affected.  Very warm soil temperatures followed by moisture followed now by hot temperatures creates PERFECT white mold conditions (southern stem rot, Nickie).  Typing this at 7:30 AM, it is already 79 degrees and 100% humidity.  I can almost hear the white mold…..

 Recommendations:  Now is not the time to be timid on white mold control.  The weather is here, teh crop is developing, protect the crop with fungicides from leaf spot and white mold.

 Cotton:  No target spot or areolate mildew, but conditions are favorable.  Please advise your growers to pay attention and scout.  FIRST BLOOM is an important time to check your crop for target spot.  Even if you don’t spray, be aware.  Also, keep your eyes open for reddened, stunted, distorted plants that COULD be our new viral disease.  If you find plants like that, please let me know so we can check them out.

 Soybeans:  Asian soybean rust is present in kudzu across the Coastal Plain.  Conditions (windy and passing storms) are PERFECT for moving it to soybeans.  IF THEY WERE MY BEANS, I WOULD DEFINITELY APPLY A FUNGICIDE BY R3, POD SET STAGE, especially if I was putting out dimilin and boron, and even if I wasn’t.  GOOD INSURANCE.

By  Bob Kemerait 

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