The fungus known as Southern Corn Rust is becoming an annual problem for farmers in southern Illinois.

 

Farmers like Randy Anderson have begun taking steps to protect their crops.

 

Southern Corn Rust has made its way to seven southern Illinois counties so far this year.

 

"With some of your later planted corn. When I say that, we're talking about corn planted in late May and early June. It really shows a devastating effect on that plant itself," explained Anderson.

 

The fungus originates in the southern United States and Mexico. In the last few years, its orange appearance on corn's leaves has begun showing up earlier and earlier in southern Illinois. Untreated, it can drastically lower yields.

 

Click Here to read more.