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As you prepare to apply fungicide to protect crops and optimize yield, it’s important to ensure your application process is as effective as possible. In this blog, we’ll cover six tips from FBN® agronomists to help you maximize your next fungicide application.
There are currently more than 200 different fungicides available around the world. With so many options, how do you know if you’re choosing the right one?
When selecting a fungicide for your needs, choose an active ingredient that gives the best performance rating for the disease you are trying to control.
For farmers in the U.S., Group 3 fungicides, such as Propicon 3.6EC, are considered to be a curative fungicide. Alternatively, applications with a Group 11 fungicide, such as Azoxystrobin 2.08, can help create a protective barrier before plant diseases are present.
For farmers in Canada, Group 3 fungicides like FBN Tebuconazole 250 or FBN ProTEB 250 EC offer a great level of suppression for fusarium in cereals as compared to group 11 fungicides. Similarly, Group 3 fungicides like Prothio 480 SC will provide excellent control on sclerotinia in canola or white mold in soybeans and lentils.
On the other hand, Group 11 is still the best to handle earlier disease in pulses such as Anthraconose in lentils or ascochyta in peas. That's why FBN Azoxy 250 SC or Preach Fungicide are great choices for the first fungicide pass in pulse crops.
When selecting a fungicide for your needs, choose an active ingredient that gives the best performance rating for the disease you are trying to control.
Timing is critical for fungicide applications. If you apply too early, the crop misses the benefits of disease resistance; if you apply too late, it can be difficult to control diseases that are already present.
Research from the University of Kentucky revealed the ideal fungicide application timing for optimal corn yield response is between tasseling and silking (VT - R1). In contrast, Iowa State University research demonstrated that yield response when fungicide is applied at R3, pod formation, is nearly double that of R1 for soybeans.
For optimal fungicide absorption, time fungicide application during cooler temperatures and dry conditions. For example, an early morning application is preferable compared to the mid afternoon because leaves grow increasingly dry over the course of the day as temperatures rise.
While it's a bad idea to apply fungicide too close to when rain is expected, a little bit of overnight dew can actually help redistribute the fungicide across the plant.
Fungicides aren’t always great tank mixing partners. Incompatibility, or the physical prevention of pesticides from mixing together in a spray solution, can lead to reduced effectiveness or even phytotoxicity. This is typically caused by the combination of pesticides used, water impurities, or water temperature.
To avoid this risk, follow the label on what should and shouldn’t be mixed with the particular fungicide you are planning to apply.
Fungicides need to get full coverage of the plant they’re being applied to, especially on corn. To ensure maximum coverage, opt for a higher rate of water such as 15-20 gallons of water per acre. Always read and follow label instructions before making an application.
Also remember that using quality water when spraying is key to maximizing your chemical and improving results on the ground.
To strengthen crops, improve spreading and increase plant uptake, crop nutrition products and adjuvants can be great additions to your crop protection plan.
Farmers in the U.S. can use Atarrus™ to maximize plant health and energy as crops transition from a vegetative to reproductive stage. By enhancing photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, and root growth, Atarrus can protect against late season stress and help maximize yield.
Also consider adding IN-Zorb™ ADV, a plant safe, aquatic safe, non-ionic surfactant designed to enhance coverage and plant absorption. By reducing the surface tension of droplets, In-Zorb ADV enables more uniform spreading during sprays. (This surfactant does not include APE or NPE, both of which have been associated with Arrested Ear Syndrome.)
To reduce off-target drift, use FieldGrip™ DRA. A high-concentrate emulsifiable deposition aid and drift management adjuvant, FieldGrip DRA can be used with most pesticides and spray nozzle types. Its APE-free formula is designed for use with herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
Farmers in Canada can use Blossom SP derived from calcium silicate technology, which increases cell wall structure and integrity. This helps strengthen resistance to disease and insects as well as promoting the uptake of phosphorus and other nutrients. It will also improve reproductive growth and increase resistance to extreme hot and cold temperatures.
None of FBN's fungicides require any additional surfactant, but if you are spraying a group 3 fungicide using an aerial applicator, consider adding Icon® or Falcon®, non-ionic surfactants designed to enhance plant absorption. By increasing the absorption rate, Icon or Falcon will reduce the effect of quick evaporation of the spray droplets on the plants. Falcon also works as a deposition aid and a drift management adjuvant.
What’s the difference between non-ionic surfactant and crop oil concentrate? Find out here.
With an incredibly diverse crop protection product portfolio, FBN has the crop protection products you need this season, including:
Shop conveniently anywhere, anytime online or through the FBN mobile app. Check out our Deals page for special promotions and discounts while supplies last.
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