With the harvest season quickly approaching, the crops in Dallas County are being impacted by diseases in the fields.

Dallas County Iowa State University Extension Field Agronomist Meaghan Anderson tells Raccoon Valley Radio that with each rain event that happened in July, more disease development is presenting itself. Anderson starts with the main impact on soybeans. 

“The primary disease that we’re seeing is called ‘Sudden Death Syndrome,’ or SDS, and it’s a disease that causes death of the upper leaves of the plants, and then it kind of dies from the top to the bottom. And so corn’s taking on a bit of an orangy hue this year because we have this disease, it’s not unusual to run into, but it’s unusual for it to come in as early and be as problematic as it is this year, and it’s called ‘Southern Rust.’ People may notice some orange color to the cornfield.”

Anderson suggests that farmers do a constant checkup on their fields to identify SDS or if plants are suffering from other diseases. If that’s the case, she encourages farmers to contact their local field agronomist. Additionally, Anderson points out that the crops have a direct correlation with the weather, as corn and soybeans benefit the most from hot temperatures, allowing them to reach the maturity stage at a faster rate. She explains that the cooler temperatures slows down the process, but it is a good sign because it allows time for the kernels and soybean pods to fill and make heavier grain. Looking at the upcoming long-term forecast, Anderson is seeing warmer than average temperatures mixed with possible rain showers throughout September.