Tar spot of corn, a disease caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis, has now been confirmed in Nemaha (9/15), Doniphan (10/05), Brown (10/10), Jackson (10/11), and Atchison (10/11) counties in Kansas. Tar spot lesions are black, raised, and have a round/elliptical shape. This pathogen can survive in crop residue. For further information about Tar spot
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a major problem in soybean fields throughout eastern and central Kansas, to date it has been detected in production fields in 59 counties, including Barton County. It is important to monitor SCN levels regularly to determine if management strategies, such as variety resistance and crop rotation, have been successful.
Immediately following harvest is the best time to check fields for SCN and start planning for next season. Confirming the presence of SCN and determining population levels is the basis for a successful integrated management program.
To make that process easier, the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab has been offering free SCN testing for Kansas producers. This program is facilitated by a grant received from the SCN Coalition. However the grant money is running out and it will only be free through 2022. After it will cost $25 per sample/field. The link below will give you additional information about SCN and details about collecting and shipping a good sample. Don’t delay test and send samples before the end of the year, to take advantage of the free testing.
After harvest is optimal time for Soybean Cyst Nematode sampling
Kansas State University conducts research in nearly all areas of agricultural production. The Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station (KAES) Research Reports are the published preliminary results of individual research projects. These reports allow researchers to disseminate their work rapidly to Kansas’ producers, agricultural industries, and other researchers.
This article aims to highlight the reports by faculty and specialists in, or affiliated with, the agronomy department. The homepage for all the agronomy-related research reports is:
https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/kaes-research-reports/. In addition to the most current report, you can also access reports going back several years.
Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports available online