By Trish Svoboda

A public meeting in Overbrook, Kansas, is set to take place in February, to discuss a fungus negatively affecting corn fields across northeast Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.

According to Ryan Schaub, an agriculture agent with K-State Research and Extension, Corn Tar Spot is a recently emerged fungus that can overwinter in corn residue and spread through rain and wind.

In a release, Schaub explains that the fungus manifests as small, raised black spots, typically circular or oval, appearing on infected plants’ leaves, leaf sheaths, and husks, possibly on one or both sides.

“Scouting fields is critical (because) this fungus can spread rather quickly and can reduce yields significantly,” said Schaub, who specializes in crop production and farm management.

Taking place on February 22, the event titled “Increasing Row Crop Yields with Weed and Fungus Control” begins at 6 p.m. at Grace Community Church in Overbrook. Hosted by K-State’s Frontier Extension District, the meeting features presentations by K-State specialists, including Sarah Lancaster, a weed science specialist, and Rodrigo Onofre, an extension specialist focusing on row crops.

The 2024 edition of Chemical Weed Control, published by K-State, will be available to attendees who do not have a copy.

Those interested in attending this free meeting are asked to register in advance by contacting Schaub at 785-448-6826 or reschaub@ksu.edu. A meal will be provided for those who register.