Many Midwestern corn farmers are probably wondering if southern rust will be a problem again this year.
Iowa State University Extension field crops pathologist Alison Robertson says there were historic levels of the plant disease in 2025.
“So it’s a big concern on everybody’s mind here.”
She tells Brownfield the pathogen that causes southern rust is blown in from the south and thrives in a wet environment.
“A lot of precipitation, a lot of time that those leaves are wet. And then we also need warm temperatures, so warmer than normal. We’re looking at around about the 80’s for that to be favorable for that disease.”
Without knowing weather conditions for the upcoming growing season, Robertson says growers can still take steps to mitigate southern rust.
“First, they could talk with their seed dealer and get an idea of the susceptibility of their hybrids. I think a lot of the seed dealers now, from last year, have a good idea of which hybrids were particularly sensitive.”
And she recommends monitoring the spread of southern rust through the crop protection network.
