Des Moines, Iowa
June 11, 2009
Growers can see a yield increase
of 3 bushels per acre when using foliar fungicides on soybean
fields where foliar diseases are present. Experts at
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont
business, say foliar fungicides on soybeans typically show a
positive yield response 75 percent of the time.
Pioneer agronomy research scientists conducted trials from 2004
to 2008 to evaluate the effects of foliar fungicide and
fungicide/insecticide applications on soybean yield. Despite
considerable variation in growing conditions across years and
locations, the trials demonstrated a consistent positive yield
response to treatments that included strobilurin fungicides
(Headline® and Quadris®). These fungicides, when used alone,
showed an increase of 3.3 bushels per acre. When the fungicide
was combined with an insecticide treatment, the increase was 4.8
bushels per acre.
"If conditions for foliar diseases are present, foliar
fungicides will help increase yields," says Jim Trybom, Pioneer
agronomy research scientist. "Cool and wet conditions in July
can create an environment well-suited for foliar diseases in
soybeans. If midseason weather proves to be cool and wet, foliar
fungicides may be a good option to protect yield."
Historically, foliar fungicides for soybeans were used more in
the South, but in the last few years, they've become more
popular in areas of the Corn Belt. This is due to the improved
chemistry of foliar fungicides and the increased interest in
managing soybeans for higher yields.
"The older chemistry of foliar fungicides for soybeans only
included contact fungicides," Trybom says. "Now, the chemistry
has improved, and there are systemic fungicides available."
Contact fungicides remain on the surface of the plant, so if it
rains soon after applying, it can be washed off. Systemic
fungicides are absorbed by the leaves and move within the
treated plant.
"Systemic fungicides allow growers to properly manage soybeans
now more than ever before," Trybom notes. "Soybeans that have
been sprayed retain their leaves for a longer period of time,
allowing them to fill longer." This allows the beans to increase
in size and weight, and smaller beans to fill. One application
of foliar fungicide during the R3 to R4 stages is best.
It's important to keep in mind that foliar fungicides on
soybeans are more likely to create a positive yield response
where foliar diseases are present. Keep cool, wet environmental
conditions in mind when deciding whether or not to apply.
"Scouting is key in deciding whether or not to use foliar
fungicides," Trybom says. "Make sure you know which diseases are
present or have been present in the field. Be sure to read the
label of the foliar fungicide for safety precautions and
application rates."
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.
Headline® is a registered trademark of BASF.
Quadris® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Co.
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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