BASF: New Sequential Fungicide Application Program Controls Disease, Drives Yield

High-production corn growers can now utilize a fungicide program that includes the latest products from BASF: Priaxor fungicide and Headline AMP fungicide. More than 40 research trials across the Midwest from 2010 to 2012 show a sequential fungicide application program increased corn yield by 15.3 bu/A.

The sequential fungicide application program involves an application of a Plant Health fungicide early in the season pre-tassel, followed by another Plant Health fungicide application at tassel (VT-R2). Studies show sequential fungicide applications are an effective way to consistently deliver the highest yields for growers and control corn diseases throughout the season.

BASF recommends growers considering a sequential fungicide application on their corn acres apply Priaxor fungicide as an early season application pre-tassel, followed by a tassel application (VT-R2) of Headline AMP fungicide.

“Priaxor fungicide, which provides another mode of action for row crops, delivers continuous protection and consistent performance against a broad spectrum of diseases,” said Caren Schmidt, Ph.D., Technical Market Manager, BASF. “Utilizing Priaxor followed by Headline AMP in a sequential fungicide program engages three modes of action to suppress troublesome corn diseases, including anthracnose leaf blight, gray leaf spot, Northern corn leaf blight and common rust.”

A sequential fungicide program is a key part of many high-yield, total management programs in corn. Additionally, BASF recommends sequential fungicide applications for growers managing no-till, corn-on-corn and/or continuous corn acres to minimize the stress caused by more extreme disease pressures.

Dan Arkels, a corn and soybean grower from north-central Illinois, saw a 20-25 bu/A increase with the sequential fungicide program during the drought of 2012.

“It was very dry in our area last year and with the program, our corn was extremely healthy and stayed green through the first frost,” said Arkels. “Being able to keep the plant healthy with fungicides makes a huge difference to my bottom line. It doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that a sequential fungicide program more than pays for itself.”

“The early application of Priaxor fungicide typically coincides with post-emergent herbicide applications,” Dr. Schmidt said. “To reduce soil compaction, minimize application costs and manage the hectic spring schedule, growers have a few options for applying Priaxor fungicide at the early timing. They can tank mix Priaxor fungicide with their post-emergent herbicide application, or apply the fungicide following the herbicide application. In both instances, we recommend a grower follow up with Headline AMP fungicide at tassel to receive the greatest disease control, Plant Health, and yield benefits.”