The MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic has received a record number of samples in the first 7 months of 2023. A total of 232 physical samples and 125 digital samples have been submitted, an increase of 89% from last year.
The most common type of sample submitted was for plant disease diagnosis, accounting for 210 out of the 232 physical samples. Insect identification services and weed identification were the next most common types of samples submitted.
June was the busiest month for the clinic, with 90 samples submitted. Digital sample submission has also increased significantly, with 125 samples submitted so far this year.
The most common sample category was field crops, with 103 samples submitted. Ornamentals and vegetables were the next most common sample categories.
Soybean and corn were the two most common crop categories, with 48 and 14 samples submitted, respectively. Wheat and industrial hemp were the next most common crop categories.
The clinic has tested several wheat viruses positive in Missouri this year, including Wheat streak mosaic virus, Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus, Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus, Barley yellow dwarf virus, and Cereal yellow dwarf virus. The clinic is committed to identifying and managing these viruses to help farmers protect their wheat crops.
Drought conditions during the spring posed challenges for early-season soybean growth and development. There was an outbreak of multiple soil-borne fungal pathogens, such as Charcoal rot, Fusarium crown and root rot, and Rhizoctonia root and stem rot, that affected soybean seedlings. These diseases were prevalent all over Missouri this year.
Tar spot, a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Phyllachora maydis, was observed almost a month earlier this year in Missouri corn fields compared to 2022. This disease is characterized by the presence of raised black lesions or "tar spots" on corn leaves, leading to reduced photosynthetic activity and potential yield losses if left unmanaged. Farmers and growers can always check the spreading of this disease by visiting "Tar Spot of Corn Map". It is highly recommended to submit a physical sample to the clinic for confirmation and reporting use.
The MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic is a valuable resource for farmers and growers in Missouri. The clinic provides accurate and timely diagnoses of plant diseases, insects, and weeds. The clinic also offers educational resources and outreach programs to help farmers and growers protect their crops.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables