Tar spot seems to be a concern for Illinois corn growers. It’s a fungus that grows on the leaves of corn stalks that can lead to damage to the plant.
AgriGold Agronomy Manager John Brien says the fungus is originally from Mexico and like’s warm conditions. He says it wasn’t as bad in 2019 and 2020. But in 2021, there were perfect conditions for the fungus and it moved fast.
The fungus is also known to affect maple tree leaves. He says the fungus first showed up in 2017 and 2018.