Success StoryEconomics of on-farm foliar fungicide applications in corn



Economics of on-farm foliar fungicide applications in corn

Author: Kiersten Wise

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Foliar fungicide applications have now become common in corn production, often applied in the absence of disease and in contrast to Integrated Pest Management recommendations. Farmers and County Agents need information to help them understand how fungicides should be used, and when they have optimum efficacy against corn diseases. On-farm research trials were established in Henderson County in conjunction with the County Agent to examine the impact of foliar fungicides in comparison to non-treated controls. Fields were sprayed at late vegetative growth stages with fungicide. Foliar disease severity and yield data were collected, and economic data were used to determine return on investment of foliar fungicide application. In the Henderson County trial location, with final grain price and fungicide application cost, the farmer needed to increase yield by 6.3 bu/A to pay for the cost of the foliar fungicide application.  Yield was increased in the fungicide treatment, but only by 5 bu/A, meaning that the fungicide treatment did not break even, and was not profitable. This research is impactful beacuse it helps farmers learn about the profitability (or lack of profitability) of fungicide applications in their own production system.  






Stories by Kiersten Wise


New corn disease confirmed in Kentucky

about 5 years ago by Kiersten Wise

The disease Curvularia leaf spot, caused by the fungus Curvularia lunata, was first discovered in th... Read More


Economics of on-farm foliar fungicide applications in corn

about 5 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Foliar fungicide applications have now become common in corn production, often applied in the absenc... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


Plant Sample Preparation and Submission Webinar Training for County Extension Staff

about 5 years ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Whenlandscape or garden plants begin to show symptoms of a problem, or commercial crops start to dec... Read More


Educating agents and the ag industry on the importance of soybean cyst nematode in reducing soybean yields

about 5 years ago by Carl Bradley

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most destructive soybean pathogen in the United States. In 2... Read More


Stories by Integrated Plant Pest Management


New corn disease confirmed in Kentucky

about 5 years ago by Kiersten Wise

The disease Curvularia leaf spot, caused by the fungus Curvularia lunata, was first discovered in th... Read More


Economics of on-farm foliar fungicide applications in corn

about 5 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Foliar fungicide applications have now become common in corn production, often applied in the absenc... Read More