Last year Southern corn rust effected 11 different corn-growing states. This year, Southern rust has already been confirmed in Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

Under favorable weather conditions, Southern rust has been known to reduce yields up to 25 bu/A on susceptible hybrids that do not receive a fungicide application. According to North Carolina State University, the disease can be especially detrimental to late-planted corn.

Since this year’s wet spring delayed planting for many corn-growers nationwide and tropical storms are already impacting the South, there is potential for Southern rust to spread to the Midwest this season. Growers should stay informed about Southern rust’s path and can check the Integrated Pest Management tracker for updates. To prevent the yield-reducing effects of Southern rust, Syngenta advises growers to treat their corn at the R1 growth stage before rust hits their county.

Syngenta offers Trivapro^® fungicide for harder-working, longer-lasting preventive and curative control of rust and other difficult-to-control diseases. Trivapro also delivers plant health benefits that help maximize grain fill and produce stronger stalks for reduced lodging and volunteer corn plants, resulting in maximum return on investment.

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