Chances are you’re using a fungicide this year and likely multiple times. The return on investment with fungicide applications has a chance to be VERY good this year. Here’s how to make it even better!
TIMING
First of all, SPRAY ON TIME OR EARLY, don’t spray too late. I know you’ve heard this a hundred times, but fungicides are good at preventing disease, not curing disease. Study your crop and learn the critical growth stages where you need protection. Also, pay attention to common diseases in your region so you can make informed decisions about when a fungicide would have the best chance to save yield.
TARGET
Which leaves and plant parts do you want to cover? If the answer is the flag leaf or the ear leaf, that’s one thing. If you want great coverage to the bottom of the plant, that’s another. Set your sprayer up to accomplish your goal, then get out and check to see if your plan is working. If you don’t cover a leaf with fungicide, it’s not protected because fungicides don’t move from leaf to leaf.
EXECUTION
Speaking of coverage, download the free Ag PhD Spray Tips App to find the best spray nozzles, volume, and pressure to make each product you choose work its best. Here’s a master farmer tip: try one of the great additives out there to help the fungicide stick and perform better. We’ve used Protyx successfully. NIS (non-ionic surfactant) has been good with some products. This year, based on testing done last year, we are using Nutex EDA on our farm with fungicide applications and expecting a great response.
Download the FREE Ag PhD Spray Tips App!
WHICH FUNGICIDE TO USE?
I don’t care which fungicide you use in most cases. I would suggest picking something with multiple modes of action whenever possible. Here are the advantages of that strategy:
- Fight/prevent disease resistance
- Broaden the spectrum of diseases you control
- Potentially add more residual, especially with some of the newer products coming out