Corn tar spot outlook for 2019

Jul 29, 2019

By Martin Chilvers

Last year (2018) saw a widespread epidemic of corn tar spot across the western side of Michigan, with losses of 50 bushels per acre in particular fields. The fungus (Phyllachora maydis) responsible for this disease can overwinter on corn residue and release spores to initiate new infections. To date in this 2019 season, tar spot has been confirmed in Kent and Gratiot counties at low levels. Similar reports are coming out of other states surrounding Lake Michigan. It appears as though the disease is off to a slower start in 2019 compared to last year, however it will be important to continue monitoring for this disease.

Heavy infestation of corn tar spot. Photo by Martin Chilvers, MSU.

Initial tar spot lesions are easy to confuse with insect frass, however frass will dissolve and wipe off the leaf with some water, as seen in this video. Tar spot lesions will be embedded in the corn leaf tissue and have a slight raised feel to them. If you look closely, there will also be a small area or dead (necrotic) or yellow (chlorotic) leaf tissue close to the lesion.

Left, tar spot with fish eye symptoms. Right, tar spot on ear of corn. Photo by Martin Chilvers, MSU.

In addition to walking fields as we head into mid- to late August, drones can become helpful for spotting areas of heavy infection in a field. Areas of heavy infection may very well lodge, and in the case of silage may dry early. If you suspect tar spot, submit a sample or at least a high quality image to either Michigan State University Plant & Pest Diagnostic Services or to chilvers@msu.edu.

Visit the Corn ipmPIPE website for real-time tracking of tar spot occurrence.

Tar spot distribution map to date for 2019.

Fungicides, if used, are most likely to see a return on investment when applied at the VT/R1 growth stages. Early vegetative applications are less likely to see a return. When considering a fungicide application for any disease, the current disease levels at late vegetative stages are a good indication of what is likely to develop as ears develop and fill. Fungicide timing, fungicide efficacy and epidemiology trials are being conducted to fine-tune tar spot management recommendations. Fungicides labelled for tar spot include Trivapro, and those with FIFRA 2(ee) recommendations allow Aproach Prima, Delaro, Headline AMP, Lucento, Miravis Neo, Quilt Xcel and Topguard EQ.

Visit the Crop Protection Network website for more information on how tar spot impacted the 2018 crop and considering a fungicide for late-planted crops.

Final tar spot confirmation map for 2018.

This work was supported in part by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Project GREEEN and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research.

Source : msu.edu

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Agricultural Market Update: Grain Prices, Crop Conditions, and Weather Impacts

Welcome back to our channel where we provide comprehensive updates on the latest trends and changes in the agricultural sector. This week, we're looking at significant movements in grain prices, crop conditions, and the effects of weather patterns. Let's dive into the details:

Grain Price Decline Grain prices have fallen to their lowest levels since 2020, with December corn down 4.3% and November soybeans losing 3.1%. This decline is partly due to the beneficial moisture brought by Hurricane Beryl to the Midwest, which has improved crop conditions significantly. The USDA reported that corn and soybean crops are in their best condition in four years, contributing to the downward pressure on prices.

Record Short Positions and Market Sentiment Fund traders have increased their net short positions in the corn market to a record level, with a net short of 347,000 contracts of corn. This reflects a bearish sentiment in the market, further influencing grain price dynamics. Similar selling trends were observed in soybeans and SRW wheat, indicating broad market caution.

Weather Impact and Forecast Hurricane Beryl has brought significant rainfall across Arkansas, Missouri, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois, with more expected over Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana in the coming days. Despite this, the market is currently more focused on the moisture benefits rather than potential heat risks forecasted in the 6-10 and 8-14 day periods.

US Crop Conditions Corn and soybean conditions have shown slight improvements last week, with corn rated 68% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. These are among the best ratings for this time of year since 2020, suggesting robust crop health that could continue to influence grain prices.

Winter Wheat Harvest and Spring Wheat Conditions The US winter wheat harvest is progressing well, ahead of schedule with significant portions already harvested in Kansas and Texas. Spring wheat conditions are also favorable, with 75% rated good to excellent, although there have been some declines in states like Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington. Brazil's Corn Harvest and US Exports Brazil's second corn crop harvest is advancing rapidly due to favorable hot and dry conditions, with 63% of the crop already harvested. Meanwhile, US corn shipments saw a substantial increase last week, indicating strong export demand, which contrasts with the recent drop in domestic grain prices.

Ongoing Developments Lastly, the USDA reported a flash sale of corn, with significant quantities sold to unknown destinations, scheduled for delivery over the next two marketing years. This could signal ongoing international demand for US corn despite lower prices.

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