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Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


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.  






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Stories by Plant Pathology


In the Weeds with IPM allows for shared observations and latest updates in pest management

yesterday by Kiersten Wise

Pest management issues can emerge quickly and affect all of Kentuckys 120 counties similarly or diff... Read More


Grain Crop Pest Management Research has Value to Kentucky Farmers

yesterday by Kiersten Wise

Over half a million acres impacting an estimated $7.1 million. Thats the results from a recent surve... Read More