With recent showers, extended periods of overcast and humidity, we should be aware to scout corn fields that have faced extended periods of leaf wetness and helped support the infection of the Tar Spot disease in Southern Ontario this season.

Sunlight is important for photosynthesis and carbohydrate production. The wildfires across Canada have caused a week of hazy overcast weather in the early V1-V6 stage. Reduced light intensity and increased ozone levels are two main factors that affect corn and soybean photosynthesis and may be impacted by the wildfires.