Southwest Iowa farmer Ray Gaesser says tar spot management will be a priority during the growing season.
“We’re watchful of it. We try to choose varieties that are the most resistant as we plant, but are always scouting and always ready to do a fungicide treatment.”
Tar spot is a relatively new disease and Gaesser tells Brownfield it’s been spotty on his farm the last few years.
“Nothing too serious yet, and when we’ve had it, it’s been late enough in the season it hasn’t affected yield very much, at least that I know of.”
Tar spot can develop during cool temperatures with high humidity and extended hours of dew at night.
