The final application of the wheat season is coming up and 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), commonly known as 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). The correct fungicides at bloom protect yield and grain quality. They can also enhance total plant health by reducing ethylene gas and controlling other diseases such as stripe rust, leaf rust and glume blotch.
The five most popular fungicides on the market are: Miravis Ace (Syngenta), Prosaro Pro (Bayer), Prosaro (Bayer), Sphaerex (BASF), and Caramba (BASF). According to research at the University of Ohio, Miravis Ace provides the best single-application control of FHB and DON. (See chart below for % reduction of diseases with these 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 test weights are below 58# and subject to grain dockage.
- Lower DON levels (vomitoxin). Profitability takes a beating when grain gets docked for vomitoxin. Fungicides help reduce that risk as seen in the chart above.
Recently, we have been asked about the timing of this application since wheat has already began heading in areas of the U.S. You should manage wheat according to the growth stage. Optimal timing for these fungicides is Feekes 10.5.1, which is the beginning of bloom. (Bloom usually happens 4-5 days after heading.)
Anthers start emerging at the center of the head, then continue at top and bottom of head. Once you see 20% of the field beginning to flower, it is the ideal time to spray. This is Growth Stage 10.5.1 and it 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.
In a high yield management system, fungicides play a critical role. They protect the yield potential you have built throughout the season. A common theme of nearly all 100, 125 and 150 Bushel Club members is the use of fungicide at bloom. Finish the year strong and go ring the bell for yield and profitability.