Preventative Fungicide Application

The crops seemed to handle last week’s heat well, and overall conditions are looking good. Most of the corn has tasseled and appears to be relatively disease-free, at least for now. Soybeans are starting to fill out nicely, and it is about time to begin fungicide applications.

We like to apply soybean fungicide between the R1 and R3 growth stages. Some of the earlier-maturing fields have already reached that window, and the rest are not far behind. While grain markets are not where we would like them to be, soybean fungicide can still provide a solid return on investment. We typically see a 4 to 5 bushel per acre yield increase from a fungicide application, and with an application cost of around $28 per acre, it is easy to see the potential for a positive return.

As mentioned above, the corn crop is relatively disease-free at the moment. However, it was also relatively disease-free at this time last year before southern rust moved in and reduced yields across many fields. That is why the best time to apply fungicide is at full tassel, before diseases become visible.

Keep in mind that diseases such as southern rust and tar spot can infect a plant well before any symptoms appear. In many cases, you may not see visible symptoms for up to three weeks after infection has already occurred. By the time disease is obvious, yield loss may have already started, making a preventative fungicide application the better approach.

If you have questions about fungicide timing, product selection, or would like someone to scout your fields, feel free to give your SFG agronomist a call. We would be happy to help you protect your crop and maximize your yield potential.