JULY 5 ROW CROP DISEASE UPDATE
Dr.Bob Kemerait, University of Georgia Extension pathologist, gives a row crop disease update below:
1. Weather- the weather over the southern coastal plain in Georgia continues to be favorable for disease spread with sporadic rainfall and temperatures a bit cooler than last week. We are expecting a greater chance of rain next week which will continue the opportunity for disease development and spread.
2. Asian soybean rust was identified today in Lowndes (kudzu sentinel plot), Brooks (kudzu sentinel plot) and Colquitt Counties (soybean sentinel plot). We now have Soybean rust confirmed in Decatur, Miller, Baker, Brooks, Colquitt, and Lowndes Counties. I believe that tropical storms Beryl and Debby have spread spores over much of the Coastal Plain and it is only time until we find it in east Georgia. My thoughts? Any grower making a trip across the field during bloom stage to put out Dimilin/boron, kill kudzu bugs, or anything else, should include some fungicide in the mix, especially as anthracnose is loose in the state as well.
3. Corn: Southern corn rust is well established across the Coastal Plain as is Northern Corn Leaf Blight. Growers should consider protecting their crop at least until mid-dough stage. I visited a field in Lowndes County on Saturday where the field was split between two Pioneer hybrids- the differences in severity of NCLB WAS AMAZING! Bottom line: Variety selection will be critical for management of NCLB and I hope to have recommendations (better) for you soon.
4. Cotton: It is official! Target Spot/Corynespora leaf spot has been found in southwestern Georiga (Stripling Irrigation Park) exactly where we thought it should be- cotton planted into strip-till behind cotton in a field where the disease was a major problem last year; rain splash has certainly moved spores from debris to the lower leaves of the new crop. Interesting to note that the Target spot was there prior to bloom…. Hopefully a fungicide study in place in the field will give us some answers for management…..
5. Recent rains and temperatures have favored peanut diseases; so stay on a good program. Whether on a full 7-spray program or a Peanut rx reduced input program, staying ahead of disease is critical.
