Protecting Yields with Early Tar Spot Detection and Timely Fungicide Application

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August 10, 2024

DATE | July 2024

LOCATION | Bourbon, IN

CROP | Corn

THREAT | Disease

MISSION | 1 2 3 4 5 6

When tar spot is detected mid-season, immediate action is essential to prevent severe yield losses.

PROBLEM

Tar spot pressure was identified in 41% of the field in mid-July following Mission 5.
Yield loss from tar spot can be severe, with up to 50 bushels per acre observed in some cases.
The disease is difficult to spot, requiring detailed scouting, which was successfully aided by the georeferencing feature in the Taranis mobile app.

RECOMMENDATION

The Customer Success team ground-truthed the findings, confirming tar spot on July 19.
The application of of a particular fungicide, sourced from the ag retailer at a total cost of $40-$50 per acre, was recommended. The retailer’s 30% margin on fungicide and application equates to $12 profit per acre.
Applying this margin across affected acres of growers enrolled in the program results in a potential $86,280 profit.
Continuous monitoring was advised to manage disease spread and protect uninfected leaf tissue.

Tagged leaf-level tar spot insight in Taranis web app (manually circled black spots)

OPPORTUNITY

Timely fungicide application during VT/R1-R3 growth stages can protect up to 20-30 bushels per acre at harvest, ensuring a higher ROI for the grower.
Strengthening the relationship between grower and advisor, the retailer reinforces the value of fungicide sales.
Growers gain peace of mind knowing Taranis technology can detect and help manage tar spot, safeguarding yields.
Insights from this season will inform the selection of hybrids with better disease resistance and improve management practices next season, potentially reducing costs.
This success story can be leveraged to increase fungicide sales among growers not currently treating all their acres or those in nearby fields.

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