Abstract
BackgroundFoliar fungicide applications to corn (Zea mays L.) occur at one or more application timings ranging from early vegetative growth stages to mid-reproductive stages. Previous studies indicated that fungicide applications are profitable under high disease pressure when applied during the tasseling to silking growth stages. Few comprehensive studies in corn have examined the impact of fungicide applications at an early vegetative growth stage (V6) compared to late application timings (VT) for yield response and return on fungicide investment (ROI) across multiple locations.ObjectiveCompare yield response of fungicide application timing across multiple fungicide classes and calculate the probability of positive ROI.MethodsData were collected specifically for this analysis using a uniform protocol conducted in 13 states in the United States and one province in Canada from 2014–2015. Data were subjected to a primary mixed-model analysis of variance. Subsequent univariate meta-analyses, with and without moderator variables, were performed using standard meta-analytic procedures. Follow-up power and prediction analyses were performed to aid interpretation and development of management recommendations.ResultsFungicide application resulted in a range of yield responses from -2,683.0 to 3,230.9 kg/ha relative to the non-treated control, with 68.2% of these responses being positive. Evidence suggests that all three moderator variables tested (application timing, fungicide class, and disease base level), had some effect (α = 0.05) on the absolute difference in yield between fungicide treated and non-treated plots (). Application timing influenced , with V6 + VT and the VT application timings resulting in greater yield responses than the V6 application timing alone. Fungicide formulations that combined demethylation inhibitor and quinone outside inhibitor fungicides significantly increased yield response.ConclusionFoliar fungicide applications can increase corn grain yield. To ensure the likelihood of a positive ROI, farmers should focus on applications at VT and use fungicides that include a mix of demethylation inhibitor and quinone outside inhibitor active ingredients.
Highlights
Foliar fungicide applications to hybrid corn (Zea mays L.) have increased since the mid-2000s, due to reports that fungicides provide physiological benefits to crop plants that enhance yield even in the absence of disease [1,2,3,4]
Fungicide application resulted in a range of yield responses from -2,683.0 to 3,230.9 kg/ha relative to the non-treated control, with 68.2% of these responses being positive
Evidence suggests that all three moderator variables tested, had some effect (α = 0.05) on the absolute difference in yield between fungicide treated and non-treated plots (D )
Summary
Foliar fungicide applications to hybrid corn (Zea mays L.) have increased since the mid-2000s, due to reports that fungicides provide physiological benefits to crop plants that enhance yield even in the absence of disease [1,2,3,4]. Foliar fungicide applications in corn have been promoted at one or more timings ranging from early vegetative to late reproductive growth stages. Despite research that indicates foliar fungicide applications at the VT-R1 timing are most likely to provide an economic response in corn, the authors observed that applications occurring during the early vegetative growth stages are still marketed to farmers as a way to improve yield. This is because farmers can apply foliar fungicides to corn prior to tasseling using ground-driven spray equipment. Few comprehensive studies in corn have examined the impact of fungicide applications at an early vegetative growth stage (V6) compared to late application timings (VT) for yield response and return on fungicide investment (ROI) across multiple locations
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