Tar Spot, Southern Rust Challenge Corn Belt in 2025: BASF Expert Weighs In
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The contents of this blog come from an interview conducted at Trade Talk in Kansas City, Missouri.
The 2025 growing season brought significant challenges for corn growers across the country, with disease pressure hitting hard from the moment seed left the planter. This week, Kim Tutor, Technical Marketing Manager with BASF, sat down to discuss what made 2025 one of the toughest years in recent memory—and how growers can prepare moving forward.
A Difficult Start From the Beginning
According to Tudor, the crop was under stress almost immediately.
“That seed was challenged from the time it came out of the planter. It was fighting for its life, for lack of a better phrase.”
Persistent weather swings, early plant stress, and aggressive disease movement put many fields on defense through much of the Corn Belt.
Tar Spot Remains a Major Concern
Tar spot once again appeared across the region in 2025, continuing its reputation as one of the most damaging diseases U.S. corn growers face.
Tudor notes that producers kept tar spot “top of mind”—and for good reason. The disease can spread quickly and cause severe yield loss if not managed proactively.
Southern Rust Surprises Growers With an Early Arrival
While tar spot was expected, the real surprise came from southern rust. Typically a late-season threat, the disease showed up much earlier than normal this year.
“Southern rust normally doesn't make an appearance until later in the season, but this year it made an early appearance,” Tudor explained.
One reason for that early and aggressive spread is the pathogen’s short latent period—the time between infection and visible symptoms. Southern rust can reproduce in just 7 to 10 days, allowing it to cycle rapidly and build pressure fast.
What Sets Veltyma® Apart?
When discussing disease control options, Tudor highlighted why BASF’s Veltyma® fungicide stands out.
“Any fungicide worth its weight will control disease. But what sets Veltyma apart is its Revysol® active ingredient. That’s what facilitates that longer-lasting residual control.”
She emphasized that fungicide performance isn’t just about stopping disease—it’s about plant health, stress mitigation, and preserving yield potential throughout the season.
