Corn Fungicide Timing and Optimizing Yield with Digital Tools
As temperatures rise and humidity sets in, corn growers should be scouting for early signs of foliar diseases. Agronomists first recommend scouting fields with minimum tillage, corn-on-corn fields and fields that are high-yielding. Growers should also review hybrid disease ratings to get an idea of what fields may be susceptible.
In recent years, foliar fungicides, like those from Corteva Agriscience, have become a trusted part of many corn growers’ management strategies. Pioneer research has found that corn with a foliar fungicide application responded with a 7.4 bu/acre yield increase across more than 2,000 Pioneer on-farm trials conducted from 2007 to 2020.
Optimizing Fungicide Timing with Pioneer’s Disease Modeling System
A new disease modeling system, which has been piloted for the past few years, has combined Pioneer’s genetic data, grower management practices and critical weather factors, such as leaf wetness, rainfall and temperatures, to fine-tune fungicide application timing on corn.
The disease model uses current disease conditions and weather forecasts to predict the optimal time for fungicide applications. This level of precision helps ensure that fungicides are applied at the most effective time, maximizing their impact.
The modeling system considers various factors that influence disease progression including the duration of leaf wetness and temperature patterns. Growers who applied fungicides using the model saw significant benefits in terms of disease control. The system has proven to be an effective tool in optimizing fungicide use, ensuring that it’s applied when most needed.
“If you have questions on some of these diseases, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us at Pioneer,” said Paul Yoder, Pioneer field agronomist. “I think you’re going to be excited about this disease modeling system.”
As the disease modeling system continues to improve, it will expand to more growers, offering them a precise, data-driven approach to disease management.
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