By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is set to host an informative webinar dedicated to addressing tar spots in corn—a significant agricultural concern that has impacted numerous counties in South Dakota.
Scheduled for March 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon CST, this webinar aims to educate corn producers and industry professionals on effective disease management strategies.
Titled "Tar Spot in the Northern Great Plains: History, Management, and Experiences," the webinar is free, although registration is required to participate. Interested individuals can register by searching for "tar spot" on the SDSU Extension Events page to receive the necessary Zoom link.
The session will begin with educational presentations by leading experts from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. These presentations will focus on the economic returns of using fungicides and provide recommendations for fungicide management to combat this disease effectively. Following the presentations, there will be a panel discussion until noon, offering attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences with managing tar spots.
The lineup of speakers includes notable experts such as Connie Strunk, SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist; Madalyn Shires, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Specialist; and other esteemed professionals from Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Minnesota.
Tar spot has become an increasingly prevalent issue in South Dakota, with the disease confirmed in 46 of the state's 66 counties in 2024. The fungus responsible for tar spot can survive on crop residue over the winter and resurfaces as temperatures rise, predominantly spread by wind-blown spores.
Madalyn Shires highlighted the unpredictable nature of this disease, noting the challenges in forecasting annual trends due to its dependency on weather conditions. Current research is exploring whether the fungus overwinters in South Dakota's cold climate.
This webinar provides a crucial platform for learning about the latest management strategies and engaging with experts on this emerging agricultural threat.
Photo Credits:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Weather