A fungus that attacks corn has spread to more than 40 Iowa counties. Meaghan Anderson, an extension field agronomist with Iowa State University, says southern rust creates reddish-orange patches on corn leaves and blocks sunlight, which weakens the plant and can reduce yields. Anderson says southern rust has shown up in Iowa before, but this year, it came earlier and it’s much more widespread.
Anderson says reports of southern rust started coming in mid-July.
Dan Bjorklund is a technical agronomy advisor for Landus, and says this fungus can be particularly damaging to corn as the “rust” blocks the sunlight needed for photosynthesis.
Bjorklund and Anderson encourage farmers to scout their fields, and not only the edges. Fungicides may be an option.
