Area corn producers are being encouraged to scout their fields after cases of southern rust have been confirmed in western Kentucky. Dr. Kiersten Wise, Plant Pathologist at the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton, says cases of the disease have been found in two separate counties.
She adds southern rust is a bit more concerning than other rust diseases seen in corn, like common rust.
Dr. Wise does note the disease is manageable when treated correctly.
She is encouraging farmers and producers to scout their fields before deciding to use fungicide.
Dr. Wise states UK Extension Agents are great resources for farmers and producers who may be faced with southern rust management.
For more information you can contact Shane Bogle at the Caldwell County Extension Office at 270-365-2787 or your local UK Extension Agent. For real time observations and confirmations about cases of southern rust throughout the nation you can click here.