Caldwell County Agriculture Agent Shane Bogle says that farmers in western Kentucky need to be scouting and monitoring their corn crops for southern rust this year.
Bogle explains that the fungus is carried into western Kentucky by weather patterns originating from the south. He notes that, although the disease has progressed very slowly this year, it has already been detected in southern states.
click to download audioHe added that the entire corn crop in the county isn’t necessarily at risk if southern rust is detected.
click to download audioHowever, if you suspect that your corn has been affected by southern rust, Bogle advises that the only way to confirm it is by sending a sample to the Plant Diagnostics Lab at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
click to download audioHe emphasized the importance of scouting and monitoring corn fields over the next couple of weeks, as the disease is entirely dependent on the growth stage of the corn.
click to download audioBogle stresses that keeping a close watch on your corn crop is key.
click to download audioAccording to Bogle, the moisture and humidity in western Kentucky play a crucial role in the development of southern rust and most of the other plant-related diseases.
He mentioned that corn planted in April and May is nearing the end of the window for southern rust development. However, Bogle added they are currently scouting and monitoring the corn that was planted later.
For more information about southern rust, contact Ag Agent Shane Bogle at the Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Office in Princeton.
