Written By: Matt Wehmeyer, Vice President; John Howell, DSM and Agronomist
The final application of the season is one of the most important passes we will make during the growing season: fungicide at bloom. This is the money shot. This application is mainly targeted at suppressing fusarium head blight (FHB), aka head scab. FHB is the most damaging disease to wheat in the eastern US. FHB is also directly correlated in the development of vomitoxin (DON). Fungicides at bloom protect yield and grain quality. They also enhance total plant health by reducing ethylene gas and controlling other diseases such as stripe rust, leaf rust and glume blotch.
The three most popular fungicides used in recent years are: Miravis Ace (Syngenta), Prosaro (Bayer) and Caramba (BASF). There are two new fungicides available this year: Prosaro Pro (Bayer) and Sphearex (BASF). It appears these new fungicides are in short supply, so most growers are using the proven three fungicides.
It’s important to note that this one application can provide a grower a 3-way return on investment.
- Higher yields. We have commonly seen 8-15 bpa yield improvements vs untreated. In high FHB disease years, growers have seen 20-30 bpa.
- Heavier test weights. Growers can see test weights 1-3# heavier when sprayed vs untreated. 2# of test weight really adds up, especially if you are below 58# and getting docked.
- Lower DON levels (vomitoxin). Profitability takes a beating when you get docked for vomitoxin and poor quality wheat. Fungicides help reduce that risk.
Optimal timing for these fungicides is Feekes 10.5.1, which is the beginning of bloom. GS 10.5.1 is when you will get the best performance from the fungicides. Spraying early or late (5 days early to 5 days late) still offers benefits and is better than not spraying. Data has shown that the late application is better than the early application when comparing control of FHB and DON.
These fungicides play a critical role in a high yield management system. We believe that a grower cannot consistently achieve 100+ bushel yields with high quality, year after year, without the use of fungicides. Let’s go ring the bell for yield and profitability.
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