Following is the row crop disease update from Dr. Bob Kemerait as of July 1.
Rain in the forecast for the next week increases risk of development and spread of diseases in our row crops. Based on weather and time of season, I encourage our growers to be vigilant and prepared for the following:
Corn: southern corn rust until the crop reaches R6 hard-dough stage.
Soybeans: this week we have found soybean rust in KUDZU in Turner and Wheeler Counties. Growers should, in my opinion, apply some fungicide by R3, especially if they can piggy-back on a Dimilin application.
Cotton: be watching for target spot as plants start blooming; this could be a big year for target spot. And watch for bacterial blight. Nothing we can do now, but it certainly is out there.
Peanuts: time is “now” for leaf spot and white mold control. Moisture will bring them on. Look for white mold to be problematic, but temperatures below 90 this week may keep white mold from being quite so explosive. But it is always a threat. Be prepared.