A shift in the 2024 growing season, we have transitioned from fields experiencing levels of wet, saturated and underwater to having some version of hot, dry and stressed crops in many areas of northeast Illinois. Many soy fields have received their post herbicide and are slowly putting out new trifoliates because of unfavorable growing conditions. Uneven corn fields can be found in areas most effected by heavy rainfall events earlier in the season. Earliest planted corn has reached V11 to V12 growth stage. While scouting (a job best done early morning with current temperatures) I noted fungal growth developing near whorls and on corn leaves. My prognosis is an early season infection of Corn smut, to be confirmed by the University of Illinois Plant clinic. In the fields visited the infection appears to have a varietal influence.
For those in northern Illinois I always encourage farmers to be aware of what is happening downstate to alert us to potential issues we may encounter later. Looking at information from neighboring states is beneficial as well, and recently both Iowa and Indiana confirmed the presence of Tar spot. In both states it is considered one of the earlier dates for confirmation of the disease. The annual spread of the disease can be followed on the Corn ipmPIPE. https://corn.ipmpipe.org/tarspot/
Be on the lookout and be safe when working in the hot weather!