Fungicide Usage When Commodity Prices Are Depressed
January 15, 2025
Every year a popular question, “Should I be spraying a fungicide?” is asked in late spring and early summer. Many growers have started including a fungicide application in their production plans from the beginning but may take a wait and see approach. When commodity prices drop, the number of calls increase and knowing how to answer that can be different from one grower to the next. Some growers ask the question to reaffirm an application regardless of commodity prices while others are wanting an okay to abandon it for the year. This is when it becomes challenging as it isn’t just a cut and dry yes or no answer. Many factors should be considered, including:
- Weather – growing conditions might be the most important factor to consider when determining if a fungicide is warranted. Most disease pathogens need moisture to develop and usually warmer temperatures. Moisture doesn’t necessarily mean they need a rain event, but just moisture on the leaf which can be from rain, morning dew, or fog. Often, when high humidity is present, heavy morning dews develop, and this is all it takes for a disease to develop and spread.
- Seed Selection - some products have more tolerance or resistance to a disease or diseases than others. Growers should spend time talking to their seed dealer and agronomist about seed selection prior to planting. In many cases, if the dealer knows a fungicide is not going to be used, they can help select products with more resistance or tolerance for the diseases that are common in the area. In many instances, a grower can manage the amount of spraying they might need by knowing what products benefit the most from the application.
Besides protecting the plants from disease pathogens by spraying a fungicide, growers should also consider other factors that may result from a fungicide application. In years where disease pressure is low, other agronomic responses to a fungicide application may occur. Grain fill, plant intactness, and standability can potentially be improved by a fungicide application, which can potentially lead to higher yield potentials.
At the end of the day the goal is to make a profit. Growers need to carefully analyze what their bottom line is and how spraying a fungicide may or may not affect their profit. By working with their local Channel® brand agronomist, a plan of action can be put in place to help growers achieve the best result.
Channel Agronomist
Jeff Lakin
1110_487802
Seed Brands & Traits
Crop Protection
Disclaimer
Always read and follow pesticide label directions, insect resistance management requirements (where applicable), and grain marketing and all other stewardship practices.
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