Fungal disease impacting corn crops hits Iowa

IOWA — More cases of a destructive fungal disease have been found in Iowa corn crops.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach announced last week that cases of southern rust were confirmed in Benton, Mahaska, Muscatine and Louisa counties on July 21.

On Friday, the Crop Protection Network map shows cases have been found in an additional 12 counties, including Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Boone, Butler, Davis, Greene, Hancock, Mitchell, Monroe, Polk, Washington and Wayne counties.

Last year, southern rust resulted in an estimated 7.5% yield loss, which many experts said was one of the worst outbreaks seen in Iowa in several decades.

According to the Crop Protection Network, the disease is caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora and thrives in high heat and humidity. The disease, if left untreated, can kill plants prematurely. The fungus can’t survive Iowa winters and typically makes it into the state by blowing in from southern states.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.