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(Iowa) -- A fungus that damages crops continues to spread in Iowa.
Southern rust is typically seen first in the lower canopy of corn crops and continue to move up the canopy as it progresses. The fungus was spotted in Iowa earlier than usual this year and thrives hot, humid, and wet conditions. Daren Mueller, plant pathologist with Iowa State University Extension says the fungus cannot survive after the first frost or on plants that die naturally at the end of the season. Mueller says using fungicide on crops that have not yet seen the fungus can be effective.
More information on southern rust is available on the Crop Protection Network website.