Corn

As you’re scouting fields this summer, keep this fungal disease in the back of your mind. Tar spot is a fungal disease of corn caused by Phyllachora maydis. It was first discovered in the United States in 2015. In Latin America where tar spot is more common, another fungal species, Monographella maydis, is known to occur in complex with P. maydis; however, only P. maydis has been found in the United States.

With corn harvest underway across the state, growers may be encountering ear rots and stalk rots in affected fields. The degree of severity is dependent on a variety of factors, so it is wise to scout fields prior to harvesting in order to identify problematic fields and give those harvest priority.

Agronomy News-October 2022, Volume 13, Issue 7. Topics in this issue are Survey of the Most Common and Troublesome Weeds, Farm Emergency Action Plan, Preparing for 2023: Small Grains Disease Management, Maryland Accepting Proposals for 2023 Animal Waste Technology Fund, Scouting For Ear and Stalk Rots in Corn, Keep An Eye On Nitrogen Fertilizer Prices, Grain Market Report, Weather Outlook, and Regional Crop Reports.

Tar Spot Update: First Reports

Ear and Stalk Rots May be an Issue in Corn

Agronomy News, September 2024, Volume 15, Issue 6. Inside this issue: New Mitigation Menus to Reduce Pesticide Runoff, 2024 Farmland Cash Rental Rates, Ear and Stalk Rots in Corn, Sustainable IPM Workshop, Agriculture Technology Conference, First Reports of Tar Spot for 2024, 2024 Cover Crop Program Planting Information, Heirs’ Property Workshop, SARE Farmer Grants , Weather Outlook, and Regional Crop Reports.

Agronomy News, October 2024, Volume 15, Issue 7. Inside this issue: Grazing Corn Residue, Mycotoxin Testing, Preparing for 2025: Small Grains Disease Management, 2024 Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School, Reducing the Risk of Prussic Acid Poisoning, Cost-Share Grants Available for Fall Manure Transport and Injection, MDE Seeks Public Input On Animal Feeding Operations Permit, Extended Enrollment Period for 2024, Conservation Buffer Initiative Begins October 1, SARE Farmer Grants Due November 12, Weather Outlook, and Maryland Regional Crop Reports.

Despite the recent rains, or maybe because of them, you may want to consider grazing your corn residue. These acres can provide feed to background stockers, winter brood cows or for dairy and beef replacement heifers with minor supplementation. Grazing residue is an option for acres being harvested too late for a cover crop or for acres where harvest has been delayed because of the recent wet weather. Grazing residue with a cover crop planted in it is also a great option depending on the objective of the cover crop.

College Park, MD – The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) reminds Marylanders of an online course for rural landowners in Maryland released earlier in the spring. The So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland course is available through the University of Maryland’s Enterprise Learning Management System – Canvas.

Prices and cost estimates are averages collected from retailers across the state. Input prices will vary by region, sales volume, and other criteria and may not be reflective of your true cost. These prices can be used as a baseline for your operation. Make changes to prices to include your production techniques, inputs, and overall management.