Early Detection Is the Key

The combination of cool, wet soils is a perfect breeding ground for plant disease. “We anticipate a lot of the residue-born diseases, such as Tan Spot and Septoria, could be a problem this year,” said Connie Strunk, plant pathologist, SDSU Extension. “We’re also hearing reports of Stripe Rust in southern Nebraska already, so we’ll have to watch out for that.” The South Dakota Pest Management Guide can assist with fungicide application decisions.