At the Ag PhD Field Day, Hefty Seed Minnesota Research Lead John Weiss said crop conditions are looking good across southern Minnesota and into Iowa, but disease pressure is starting to emerge. “The corn looks great,” said Weiss. “Beans are coming along nicely; we’re seeing a little disease here and there, but overall it’s looking really good.” White mold is surfacing in the southern part of Weiss’ territory, while tar spot remains a threat further south. Hybrid selection for tar spot resistance is still developing. “Tar spot ratings are all opportunistic, meaning the disease has to hit that plot before you can get scores.” On the soybean side, Weiss noted increasing concern with Soybean Cyst Nematode and Phytophthora. Weiss emphasized the value of crop rotation and managing compaction, poor drainage, and fertility to limit soybean disease pressure.
