TOLERANT HYBRIDS THE BEST TOOL Severe tar spot infection can significantly weaken corn standability and yield. Field trials of fungicide-treated plots and untreated controls near Rodney, says Tenuta, generally show a 20 to 40 bushel per acre loss in untreated corn – although he has occasionally seen notably higher losses. The severity of losses is closely tied to seasonal conditions, with warm and damp weather at the wrong time, bringing greater losses. Anecdotally, Tenuta adds discussions with Ontario growers also highlight a 20 to 40 bushel per acre gain in treated corn acres, confirming the yield disparity documented in the Rodney plots. By far, Tenuta says the best way to reduce the risk posed by tar spot is by planting more tolerant hybrids. Both Tenuta’s hybrid trials and trials conducted by partnering researchers in the United States have ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER RESEARCH 15 FIND THE ANSWER FOR YOUR ACRES. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT | NUTRIENT PROTECTION | SEED ENHANCEMENT 12/27/24 12:34 PM Tar spot on corn continued on page 16
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