Ag News

Southern Corn Rust confirmed in South Georgia

by UGA Extension

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Southern corn rust has been confirmed in Appling County, according to information provided by Tattnall County Extension Agent Aubrey Shirley, who advises growers to watch for the fungal disease. Appling is the sixth county with a positive identification of corn rust. Previously, corn rust has been detected on farms in Clinch, Decatur, Grady, Mitchell and Seminole counties.

Southern corn rust can result in significant yield losses in corn and a susceptible variety should be protected with a fungicide before disease is established in a field.

While there is little data specific to corn rust to show the growth stage at which the crop is safe from it, UGA scientists generally recommend applying protection products until the ears reach the R4 “dough” growth stage, after which southern corn rust is less likely to harm the crop.

The threat of southern corn rust is enough for most southern counties that growers should strongly consider application of a fungicide if the yield potential is good, corn is between VT and R6 growth stages, and the corn has not been sprayed or it has been three weeks since last fungicide application.

The UGA Extension 2023 Corn Production Guide provides a list of fungicides that can be used to protect from losses due to corn rust. The guide can be found here, and the list of fungicides is on page 51.

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