White mold in soybeans

It’s no secret 2019 brought big challenges, including high-moisture levels and planting delays that made crops vulnerable to yield-robbing diseases. Even though 2020 got off to a much better start, it’s still important to keep disease pressure in mind. According to the NOAA, areas of the Midwest are experiencing abnormally moist soil, which creates a prime environment for last year’s prominent diseases to reappear.

To help protect your investment, consider the following about these key diseases:

White Mold in Soybeans

• White mold thrives in periods of cool temperatures and high humidity. Since some Midwest areas planted early, these soybeans could be more vulnerable to white mold infection.
• According to researchers with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the fungus that causes white mold, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, can overwinter and survive in the soil for several years. If you have dealt with this disease in the past, it’s important to take proactive measures.
• Scout early and often for symptoms of white mold. If you notice trumpet shaped apothecia in the soil, you may want to apply a fungicide at R1-R2 to prevent widespread infection and potential yield loss.

Tar Spot in Corn

• Cool temperatures along with long periods of leaf wetness is a conducive environment for tar spot development. Since wind and rain can spread the spores to other plants, be sure to pay close attention to the weather conditions in your area.
• Scout for small, raised black spots on the upper and lower leaf surface. To help distinguish tar spot from rust spot, remember that tar spots are difficult to scrape off the leaf.
• Iowa State University researchers say an unexpected spread of tar spot took place last year, with the disease observed in 75 counties in IA alone. Because tar spot is extremely difficult to control curatively, consider incorporating a preventive fungicide application into your corn disease management plan.

To help maximize your profit potential, we recommend applying Miravis® Neo fungicide. With Adepidyn® technology, one of the highest-performing SDHI molecules available, Miravis Neo delivers consistent, broad-spectrum disease control. Plus, it provides plant-health benefits, resulting in greener plants for a longer period of time, to help your crops produce more bushels more often.

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