Tar Spot was first reported in Logan County in 2019, followed by
Menard and Sangamon counties in 2020. In severe cases, it can
cause significant yield losses. The primary symptom of Tar Spot
is small, circular, raised black spots on the upper side of a
corn leaf that do not rub off. The fungus can remain in corn
residue from previous years. While the fungus mostly occurs
later in the growing season or in extremely wet conditions,
persistent periods of high humidity and heat can cause symptoms
to become more prominent. If you suspect you have Tar Spot in
your corn, you can contact Reagen Tibbs by email (rgtibbs@illinois.edu)
or by calling the Logan County Extension Office at
(217)732-8289.
[REAGEN TIBBS
University of Illinois Extension Educator, Commercial Agriculture
Serving Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties]
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