Des Moines, Iowa
April 17, 2009
For corn growers facing gray leaf
spot disease pressure, a foliar fungicide application can boost
yields in corn. Pioneer Hi-Bred,
a DuPont business, and the
University of Tennessee joined forces in a three-year study
to show the impact of foliar fungicide applications on
susceptible, moderately susceptible and tolerant gray leaf spot
corn hybrids.
Gray leaf spot, a common foliar disease on fields planted to
corn after corn where high residue and ample moisture or
irrigation is present, has the potential to greatly reduce
yields.
The study showed increased yields with a foliar fungicide
application for all three types of hybrids tested in the study,
with the largest boost being 24 bushels per acre with the
susceptible hybrid.
"The data speaks for itself," says Melvin Newman, field crops
plant pathology specialist at the University of Tennessee. "We
anticipated an increase in yields, but seeing the bushel
difference confirmed the significant value in timely application
of foliar fungicide in high disease pressure areas."
The study used Headline® and Quadris® fungicides for the
application. The corn was sprayed once following tassel. When
compared to unsprayed fields of the same hybrids, the
susceptible hybrids had the largest increase, adding 23.5
bushels per acre on average. The moderately susceptible hybrids
averaged 12.5 bushels per acre and the tolerant hybrids averaged
a boost of 7 bushels per acre.
"This study shows that Pioneer gray leaf spot ratings are
effective," says Greg Luce, agronomy services manager for
Pioneer. "While there were increases in yields for all hybrids,
including tolerant, those increases were much less than the
susceptible or moderately susceptible hybrids. Hybrids with gray
leaf spot tolerance provide a very effective avenue for growers
in areas where the disease is a concern.
"Depending on commodity prices, the data from this study
suggests spraying tolerant hybrids in a very heavy disease
environment can be a viable practice for growers," Luce adds.
Application timing is key when using a foliar fungicide.
Applications should occur at full tassel. Research has shown
applications prior to tasseling can have negative effects,
potentially reducing yields. Weather also plays a vital role in
application timing. If moisture continues following tassel, a
grower should considering spraying. If there is minimal moisture
following tassel, often disease development is slowed
significantly and a foliar fungicide application may not be
needed.
"Growers should evaluate three things when looking to use a
foliar fungicide application during the growing season," says
Newman. "These are 1) knowing the susceptibility rating of the
hybrid, 2) factors that can increase potential for the disease,
such as, corn-after-corn, no-till or minimum-till fields and 3)
the weather environment - ample rainfall and humidity or
irrigation."
Pioneer® brand hybrids are characterized for gray leaf spot and
other foliar diseases. To learn more about gray leaf spot
tolerance ratings, contact a local Pioneer sales professional.
"Pioneer works a great deal with growers to get the right
product on the right acre," says Luce. "Reviewing hybrid disease
and insect characterization ratings with a Pioneer agronomist or
sales professional will aid in getting growers the right
defensive package for their field environment."
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
® Registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred.
Quadris® is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.
Headline is a registered trademark of BASF.
For additional information about our company or our products,
check our worldwide Web site:
http://www.pioneer.com or follow us on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/pioneerhibred.
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