Many Wisconsin farmers have had an unfortunate experience learning about tar spot in corn.  While there may be little known about the fungus in terms of prevention, DeKalb is conducting research now to try and find a combination of potential genetic answers.  Jim Donnelly is a DeKalb Technical Agronomist.  Pam Jahnke spoke with him from a farm field in northern Illinois where Donnelly says he's been dealing with tar spot for about 10 years.

Donnelly says DeKalb is investing time and research dollars to investigate options that would at least provide some resistance in fields where tar spot was previous detected.  One of the research locations they're working with is in Janesville, WI.

As Donnelly points out, they're only focusing research on tar spot where growers have already faced challenges.  He is hopeful that they might be able to bring some resistent products to the marketplace within the next 2-3 years.