Staying Ahead Of The Disease Curve: Summer Challenges In Corn and Soybeans

In a July crop update on The Cornelius Seed Podcast, the hosts discuss current Corn Belt conditions and key in-season concerns: southern rust, nitrogen loss, and tar spot. Crop conditions across Illinois, Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota are generally strong for corn with good stands, while soybeans are behind due to delayed, stop-and-go planting, potentially reducing top-end yield from missed early flowering windows. They warn southern rust could be as bad or worse than last year, citing reports of up to 80 bu/acre losses without fungicide, driven by frequent Gulf-origin storms and early spore detection. Recommended protection is a long-residual fungicide at R1 (silking), with scouting and possible second applications depending on product residual. They explain yellowing from saturated soils via leaching and denitrification and outline rescue nitrogen options and timing. Tar spot is noted as common but typically checked by July heat, with greater concern later in August. Scouting also includes rootworm beetles and emerging soybean red crown rot, with Victrato seed treatment discussed for SCN, SDS, and red crown rot.   00:00 Planting Update00:21 Crop Conditions Update  05:14 Southern Rust Warning12:59 Fungicide Timing & Recommendations20:04 Nitrogen Loss & Rescue Treatments35:44 Tar Spot Reality Check