SDSU hosts crop disease scouting workshop

By Scout Nelson

This season, if you've noticed unusual signs in your corn or soybean crops, South Dakota State University Extension offers an ideal opportunity to find answers. The university's plant pathology team is hosting a Corn and Soybean Disease Scouting Session to assist farmers in identifying diseases like tar spot in corn and white mold in soybeans.

The event is scheduled for October 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon CDT at the SDSU research farm located at 21254 464th Ave., Volga. This session is free, and participants are welcome to arrive and depart at any time during the event hours. Registration is not required, making it convenient for farmers with busy schedules.

Connie Strunk, an SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist, encourages attendees to "come along and scout the field with us." She emphasizes the flexibility of the event, allowing participants to stay as long as their schedules permit.

Tar spots and white mold are significant concerns for local farmers. Tar spots have affected many fields across 41 counties in South Dakota this year, with new cases confirmed at the Volga Farm. White mold, a fungal disease, poses a serious threat to soybean yields. Both diseases can lead to substantial yield losses if not properly managed.

Farmers suspecting tar spots in their crops are advised to bring a sample to the session for diagnosis. It's important to keep the samples enclosed in a plastic bag with a dry paper towel to prevent the spread of spores.

This scouting session not only helps farmers identify the diseases affecting their crops but also educates them on effective management strategies to mitigate impact. By participating, farmers can gain direct access to expert advice and start taking steps to protect their yields effectively.

This event underscores SDSU Extension's commitment to supporting the agricultural community through education and resource sharing.

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