Fungicides

A crop-protection startup is using AI and machine learning to identify and develop new active ingredients it says will help farmers solve issues like weed resistance faster and more economically.

Nebraska grower Brian Herbek says a ‘finishing pass’ can help fill corn ears all the way to their tips with kernels and pack on more starch in the process. Hear more of Herbek’s insights along with David Hula and Randy Dowdy on Breaking Barriers With R&D.

Got tar spot? Economic data shows two passes can offer ROI, depending on the hybrid. However, if your crop got dinged at pollination that’s a different scenario and might require a revised game plan that takes yield estimates into consideration.

Southern rust has now been confirmed in at least 15 states, and with high heat and humidity this week, along with strong winds, agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout their corn fields, as conditions are ripe for the disease to spread.

Both diseases are showing up earlier this summer than last year, according to Daren Mueller, Iowa State University plant pathologist. He says a new interactive tool from the Crop Protection Network can help farmers locate these diseases, and others, faster.

So far, the problem has been confirmed in four states. Agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout crops, estimate yield impacts in affected fields and determine whether to make adjustments to marketing plans.

Many early-planted soybeans in the Midwest are in the R2 to R3 growth stages now, ideal treatment timing for most disease issues. Agronomists offer three reminders to help you make the call — plus a fourth tip on herbicide rescue treatments.

Farmers and aerial applicators tell Randy Dowdy and David Hula some of the key considerations for effective fungicide applications are timing, droplet size and product reach in the crop canopy.

Unlike most leaf diseases, tar spot starts impacting the crop at the bottom of plants. That means fungicides you apply must penetrate and get deep into the crop canopy to provide effective treatment. If you opt to not treat the disease, consider making plans to harvest early and pre-booking some dryer gas.

With product and application costs totaling between $30 and $40 per acre, farmers will be taking a harder look at where they make the investment this season.