As Tar Spot Spreads Across the Corn Belt, Crop Nutrition Becomes a Key Management Tool
With tar spot confirmed in multiple Corn Belt states and spreading rapidly, growers are scrambling for effective management strategies. However, many may be overlooking a critical opportunity to maximize their fungicide applications through strategic nutrient application timing.
“Nutrient applications to control tar spot are going to be a tasseling time application, and they need to be finished by brown silks – it’s a short window,” says Stephanie Zelinko, national agronomist for AgroLiquid. “Growers will need to act quickly to reap the benefits.”
While nitrogen is often the main focus for in-season applications, Zelinko says growers facing disease challenges like tar spot should also consider potassium.
“With fungicide costs running as high as $40-$50 per acre, growers may be hesitant to add more expenses, but potassium is going to help with disease tolerance the most,” she explains. “The strategic timing can help growers maximize their investment.”
Ideally, says Zelinko, growers will balance the benefits of nitrogen and potassium while seeking efficiencies in their application practices.
“When it comes to any disease, getting a good fertility program up front helps with a healthy plant,” notes Zelinko. “Then putting some nutrition with your fungicide adds that spike of nutrition to make sure the plant remains healthy throughout any disease pressure that sets in.”
Zelinko encourages growers to talk with their agronomist to ensure the right nutrients, timing and application rate for their crop. She also emphasizes the importance of making sure the products being used are compatible.
“There are a lot of fungicides out there, and not all of them can be mixed with fertilizer,” Zelinko cautions. “Make sure you read the label to ensure it can be mixed with crop nutrition.”
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