Having trouble with resistance? Try this Fungicide, Insecticide, and Miticide management all in one jug
What is Fungicide resistance?
The term fungicide resistance refers to an acquired, heritable reduction in the sensitivity of a fungus to a specific anti-fungal agent or fungicide, which ultimately can lead to crop devastation. Understanding that resistance was becoming a major issue in cropping systems worldwide, the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), was formed in 1981. FRAC was designed as a forum to discuss problems and formulate plans for cooperative efforts to avoid and/or manage fungicide resistance. One initiative introduced is the FRAC code, numbers and letters are used to distinguish the fungicide groups according to their cross-resistance behavior e.g. FRAC Code 3 – DMI Fungicides.
There are many factors that can influence resistance, such as cropping systems, the type of problematic pathogens, climate, and the active ingredient of the fungicides being applied. A proactive approach must be part of the plan before deciding on a fungicide. Crop history, soil condition, seed selection, planting date, and crop nutrition are examples of the many items that must all be considered.
Fungicide use: past present, and future.
We need to look at history to prepare ourselves for the future. We cannot ignore what has happened in other crops and geographies, hoping it doesn’t affect other crops. Producers of high-value crops manage diseases intensively with routine fungicide applications. Within this group, we have seen widespread resistance to Downy & Powdery Mildew across multiple FRAC codes in crops such as vegetables and fruits. Nature is powerful and needs to be worked with and not against. It is ignorant to assume our current chemistries will always be around to control diseases therefore new methods need to be adapted. The frequent sequential spraying of certain products in these crops increased the rate of resistance. To combat this, different approaches are being carried out such as biopesticide alternatives, integrating them into spray programs, and addressing plant health as a proactive solution. In crops such as corn and soybean, the frequency of application may not be as intensive, but the percentage of treated acres is increasing which is concerning. In soybeans, 11% of planted acres had fungicide applied in 2012, in 2020 this increased to 22%. In corn, 8% of planted acres had fungicide applied in 2010, in 2021 this increased to 19%.
There were numerous active ingredients to choose from ten years ago. Some of these are still available, while others are no longer. What was once a full toolbox of choices has now become limited. With the lack of new chemistry coming down the pipeline, trends are shifting towards the preservation of existing synthetic chemistries by utilizing softer options in a program approach. Biologicals that weren’t on the radar in the fungicide space ten years ago have now surfaced as a solution. It is not the narrative of biologicals outperforming conventional products, but more so how they can work together as a sustainable solution for disease management. Whether you talk about combination products, rotational strategies, or tank-mix partners, these are all steps along the way to more sustainable practices.
Multiple Modes of Action ≠ Multiple Effective Modes of Action
There’s an immense number of products available to combat crop diseases. Nonetheless, it is critical to understand which products work and which do not. We need to be prudent in protecting and prolonging the life of current efficacious chemistries. When choosing single or multiple FRAC code products it’s important to understand their sensitivity to the target disease. For example, using a FRAC 7 & 11 product in a region of known FRAC 11 resistances to frogeye leaf spot will lead to increased pressure on the FRAC 7 active ingredient. Once resistance is known, even with higher rates control will not occur with this FRAC group. Choosing products with low and no known resistance as a tank-mix partner can support chemistries that are working. An example of this is SOCORO™ a disease management tool with an NC FRAC Code meaning there is no known resistance. As well as supporting your resistance management strategy, SOCORO™ provides a triple play in your field offering Fungicide, Insecticide, and Miticide management in one jug.
When it comes to the time of fungicide application it’s important to make a planned informed choice.
- Products work better as a protectant vs curative.
- Study weather events to be on time for an application.
- Rotate modes of action.
- Do not overuse similar FRAC code products.
- Tank-mix or use premix.
- Use multiple products with different modes of action (MoA)
- Always read and follow label recommendations.
Consult with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) such as your local university extension and advisors to understand what is happening in your region. SMEs carry out extensive research annually using new tools and research aids to help understand and mitigate disease resistance. Do not rely on fungicides alone for disease management. It is truly an integrated approach to managing resistance and all practices such as crop rotation, planting disease-resistant cultivars, coupled with fungicide applications that have multiple modes of action can all be used slow/prevent selecting for resistance.
About SOCORO™.
A new solution for row crop growers, offering disease, mite, and insect management in a single application. Fight pests with multiple effective modes of action with a powerful formulation composed of over 150 bio-actives. Rebel against resistance with SOCORO™ as it has no known resistance, making it an ideal tank-mix/or rotation partner for your program.
To rebel against resistance, view data, and find a list of distributors, visit www.socoronow.com or call 360.988.3850.
SOCORO™ is an EPA-registered and OMRI-listed product. Score with SOCORO™.