Join us for a regional corn silage field day on July 31 at 5 p.m. central time at Woodrum farms located on Gum Lick Road in Liberty.
The field day will include a tour of UK corn silage variety trial plots and discussions led by UK Nutritionist Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler and UK Variety Trial coordinator Cam Kenimer. A sponsored meal will be provided. Please call 606-787-7348 to register.
Southern Corn Rust in Kentucky
The UK Plat Disease Diagnostic lab confirmed southern rust on a corn sample in Crittenden County on July 11.
Southern Rust is usually found in Kentucky between mid-July to early August. Last year, the first case was confirmed on July 15.
The earlier that Southern Rust moves into Kentucky, the greater risk we see of infection in later planted corn. UK Plant Pathologist Dr. Keirsten Wise provides the following recommendations for corn growers:
In general, corn at, or past milk stage, will likely not need a fungicide application to prevent yield loss due to southern rust. Corn that has been sprayed at VT/R1 will most likely be past R2 soon and will not need another application. With current corn prices, farmers will likely not make money on fields that receive two fungicide applications, so we are trying to assess fungicide needs for specific fields rather than blanket applications.
There is particular concern about our very late-planted corn. In most cases, farmers should wait to apply fungicide until it is as close to VT/R1 as possible.
Unless southern rust is confirmed in a pre-tassel field, we should try to wait until VT to get the maximum benefit from the fungicide application. I advocate making these decisions about pre-tassel applications for southern rust on a case-by-case basis.
Margins are tight this year, and there are some cheaper fungicide options (off-patent) that are good or very good against southern rust if an application is needed. Contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service at 270-384-2317 for more information about fungicide options.
