Five Steps for Proven Fungicide Performance

January 7, 2020

Wheat
To manage disease in cereal crops, there are five key steps to follow when applying Prosaro® fungicide.

Fungal diseases can be a significant limitation to profitable cereal production. However, growers can take proactive action and apply a fungicide to protect their crop from damage caused by disease, such as Fusarium head blight, or scab. This disease can lead to yield losses and elevated DON levels, which negatively affect grain quality.

Fortunately, certain fungicides have proven effective for reducing losses in yield and grain quality due to scab and other diseases. A proactive approach to disease prevention is the best way to limit losses. In fact, researchers at North Dakota State University found that a well-timed fungicide application at early flowering can reduce the severity of scab by 50 to 60 percent.i

To make the most of a fungicide application, there are five steps growers should take to ensure proven performance of their fungicide application.


Five Steps for Proven Performance

  1. Apply the right fungicide
    Determining the diseases that need to be managed is a key step in maximizing the performance of a fungicide application in cereal crops. Choosing a fungicide with the active ingredients that are known to manage the target disease will better ensure protection of yields and grain quality. For example, many fungicides with a triazole component offer the most suppression of scab, while strobilurin fungicides will not be effective on this disease.ii
  2. Apply at the right rate
    To maximize efficacy, it is important to make a fungicide application at the recommended rate. Since efficacy measures are based on the recommended rate, following this step can help growers achieve proven performance.
  3. Apply for the right target coverage
    Nozzles are important in optimizing fungicide performance. For best results, growers should make sure they are using the right nozzles to ensure adequate coverage of the intended target (heads and/or leaves). In addition, growers should be certain that all nozzle tips have the same angle and capacity rating.
  4. Apply at the right timing
    Applying a fungicide at the optimal growth stage can have a big impact on the level of suppression or control achieved. For example, North Dakota State University recommends making a fungicide application early in the flowering stage to reduce the risks of grain yield and quality losses from scab, as well as other head and leaf diseases.i
  5. Apply during the right weather
    Weather is an important factor that facilitates disease development. Warm, humid weather provides favorable conditions for many diseases to infect cereal crops. When these conditions are present, it is recommended that growers make a fungicide application to prevent disease development.

Bayer Solutions

Growers can use Prosaro® fungicide to mitigate losses in yield and grain quality. With two effective active ingredients, Prosaro fights scab, a disease that leads to elevated DON levels, low grain fill and yield loss. In addition, Prosaro delivers excellent control of both leaf and head diseases including leaf, stem and stripe rusts.

To learn more about how to properly use Prosaro fungicide for proven performance, growers should contact their local Bayer Cereal Expert or visit www.prosaro.us.



ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Not all products are registered 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. Bayer, Bayer Cross and Prosaro® are registered trademarks 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. ©2019 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.


Sources

i Friskop, A. and Zhong, S. “Fusarium Head Blight (Scab) of Small Grains.” North Dakota State University, 2018. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/fusarium-head-blight-scab-of-small-grains

ii Friskop, A. “Fungicide Efficacy and Timing Questions on Fusarium Head Bligh (Scab).” North Dakota State University, 2017.
https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/cpr/plant-pathology/fungicide-efficacy-and-timing-questions-on-fusarium-head-blight-scab-6-29-17