THE BENEFITS OF FUNGICIDE
One common misconception about fungicide is that it only proves beneficial when disease pressure is present. In fact, numerous evaluations of disease control and plant health in corn shows that fungicide continues to demonstrate benefits even during optimal growing seasons with minimal disease pressure. Year after year, leading fungicides consistently offer the following benefits:
- Preventative as well as post-infection disease control
- Increased stress tolerance
- Improved stalk strength for late season standability and harvest efficiency
DECIDING ON FUNGICIDE APPLICATION
Many factors are involved when making the decision to apply a fungicide to a crop. Factors to consider when evaluating fungicide applications include:
- Is the hybrid prone to infection to foliar diseases and are diseases present?
- Does the hybrid respond favorably (positive ROI) to fungicides?
- Are the current and forecasted weather conditions favorable to the development of disease?
- What active ingredient will provide the best result based on the situation?
- What plant growth stage and time of day will provide the best protection and benefit to the plant?
CONCLUSIONS
Whatever environmental conditions and disease pressures appear in a growing season, fungicides consistently protect yield potential by providing a combination of excellent disease control and plant health benefits. Hendrickson Flying Service offers both brand name and generic fungicide options and can assist you in recommending a product that will ensure the best ROI on your fungicide application.