4 Ways to Keep Scab at Bay
January 17, 2023
Article Insights
What is scab in wheat?
Scab is caused by Fusarium graminearum, a residue pathogen that can survive on corn and small grain residue; but winning the battle against head and leaf diseases is all about timing. When is the right time to apply a fungicide? Is it effective against scab? What happens to my wheat if I apply my fungicide too early?
These are tough questions that have one simple solution: Prosaro® PRO 400 SC fungicide pairs powerful preventive and curative disease control with long residual activity for consistent performance across a variety of growing conditions. Prosaro® PRO builds on the trusted and proven performance of Prosaro® fungicide for improved disease control and increased yield potential.
Application Timing
To help fight Fusarium head blight and Ergot* in wheat: Apply as a preventive spray; recommended to begin applications when 75% of heads on the main stem have fully emerged. For fusarium head blight* in barley: Apply as a preventive spray; recommended to begin applications when 100% of heads on the main stem have fully emerged.
*Suppression only **Barley suppression only
Take Action & Prevent Scab:
- Variety Selection: If you’re wheat, each state has a number of varietal seed options that provide moderate to intermediate resistance to Fusarium head blight, all while simultaneously possessing competitive levels of key agronomic traits. This includes grain yield, test weight and straw strength, along with essential quality traits such as protein content.
- Heat & Humidity: This is the biggest factor that determines the significance of disease. The disease favors moderate temperatures of 56-86 degrees Fahrenheit and a high relative humidity exceeding 90 percent, so keep a close watch on the forecast. However, scab can still crop up in your wheat, even under ideal weather conditions.
- Online Assessment: When wheat is at the early flowering stage, check the national Fusarium prediction model that provides a local, daily risk assessment of scab. But this is not foolproof. The model is correct only 75 percent of the time, so consider past field history and consult a local crop specialist to confirm.
- Apply a Fungicide: To fend off Fusarium with a fungicide such as Prosaro® PRO, it is critical that applications are made during early flowering. Depending on air temperature, this timeframe is usually one to two days before anthers become visible on the main stem heads until five or six days after anthers appear on the middle florets of the heads.
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ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Not all products are registered for use in all states and may be subject to use restrictions. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Check with your local dealer or representative for the product registration status in your state. Prosaro® is a registered trademark of Bayer Group. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. ©2022 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.
