The corn disease situation in Colquitt County has been quiet. The earlier planted corn has reached or is approaching tassel. The weather forecast calls for dryer conditions for the next week. Below are a few comments from Dr. Bob Kemerait, UGA Plant Pathologist, about the current corn disease situation.

To date, UGA Extension does not know of ANY southern rust (or soybean rust) in Georgia or in bordering areas of Alabama or Florida, though I am sure there is some somewhere. The hunt continues….
SO, WHAT DO WE TELL GROWERS- I have told you many times, “Corn Growers, especially under irrigated conditions and those with good yield potential, should have their finger firmly on the fungicide trigger and begin to slowly apply pressure as tassel growth stages approaches. If disease, especially southern rust, is known to be in the area, I would squeeze the trigger. I have that much respect for southern rust. However, if southern rust is not found, or conditions are not favorable, I would take my finger off the trigger and wait until rust is found.”