Corn rust spreads through Kansas farm fields
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas corn farmers are feeling the impacts of a disease targeting their cash crop this year which is spreading rapidly in some parts of the state.
Southern corn rust may be a disease many aside from agronomists or corn farmers might be unfamiliar with. However, reports from Kansas State University show it is being detected in fields across the state this year, potentially posing a threat to farmers trying to grow corn.
This disease typically appears when temperatures reach 90 degrees and high humidity is present, according to K-State's Agronomy Department. It cannot survive through the winter months like other corn diseases in Kansas, like gray leaf spot and tar spot, but instead arrives annually from more tropical areas.
On July 11 K-State reported four counties contained southern corn rust. This number has grown to 13 counties as of August 1 which include the following:
- Sedgewick County - July 1
- Wabaunsee County - July 9
- Reno County - July 10
- Stafford County - July 10
- Shawnee County - July 13
- Atchison County - July 15
- Doniphan County - July 15
- Rice County - July 16
- McPherson County - July 16
- Geary County - July 16
- Washington County - July 17
- Jackson County - July 18
- Smith County - July 23
K-State's Agronomy Department recommends farmers scout for signs of southern corn rust and keep an eye out for pustules. Once these are spotted, the disease can spread rapidly if temperatures and humidity remain high. Fungicides can be used to treat this disease.
Southern corn rust makes its presence known by appearing as orange pustules of spores on the upper side of corn leaves. Samples of possible corn rust can be submitted to K-State for analysis for free by mailing them to 1712 Claflin Road or by contacting clinic@ksu.edu.
Kansas is not alone in feeling the impact of southern corn rust. States like Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas are also reporting the disease this summer.
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