The late-planted portion of the Arkansas corn crop has experienced “quite a bit” of southern rust build-up, according to Scott Monfort, Arkansas Extension plant pathologist. Some corn is being sprayed to combat the disease.

“The applications are going out on extremely late-planted corn. We’re recommending that those acres at least be scouted carefully. Southern rust is all over the northeast part of the state.”

Approximately how many acres are under threat?

“It’s limited — maybe 15 to 20 percent. The crop is maturing fast but there are some worries. Along with southern rust, we’ve also seen problems with northern corn leaf blight and a little grey leaf spot.”

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