Tracking the distribution and risk of tar spot of corn in Indiana from 2015 to 2022 - County Data from 2015 to 2022

<p>The focus of this survey was to document the presence of tar spot, independent of genotypic or management interactions, to establish the current intensity and distribution throughout Indiana and provide data for future risk prediction efforts.</p>

<p>In each county, two or more farmers’ fields were scouted for tar spot and percent field incidence and average leaf severity were documented and county weather data was collected. </p>

<p>As of the 2022 survey, the presence of tar spot has been confirmed in 86 counties in Indiana. Fields in northern Indiana have had the highest severity and the highest risk for the disease in the future. Pockets of tar spot outbreaks indicate that once the disease is found locally, favorable environmental conditions of moderate temperatures and fluctuating periods of seasonal moisture may increase the risk of a severe epidemic in a field in future years.</p>

<p>Since the survey tar spot has now been confirmed in all 92 Indiana counties. </p>

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