Plant Disease Pressures Persist Even In Drought

In this photo courtesy of University of Missouri Extension, corn tar spot covers a leaf with both green tissue and brown senescing tissue. Multiple diseases can occur with tar spot. These black raised dots are the stroma of the tar spot pathogen, which overwinters on residues at the soil surface.

This summer’s drought may have stymied crop development, but it hasn’t stopped all the disease threats they face. University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Dr Mandy Bish says a pair of threats had emerged from the dry soil, along with others that appeared once Mother Nature turned on the tap.

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Bish says charcoal rot in particular showed up earlier than usual.

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Bish adds that this week’s rains could increase the risk of infection by phytophthora. She suggests farmers make notes for future growing seasons.

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University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Dr Mandy Bish presented Thursday during the annual field day hosted at the Greenley Research Center outside Novelty.