USWBSI Abstract Viewer

2021 National Fusarium Head Blight Forum


FHB Management (MGMT)

Poster # 100

Cost Effectiveness of Fungicides for FHB Control: Impacts on FDK and Test Weight

Authors & Affiliations:

Adam Albright, Meghan Biggs, Daniel Sjarpe, Charles Victor, and Kaitlyn M. Bissonnette
University of Missouri, Division of Plant Science and Technology, Columbia, MO

Corresponding Author:

Kaitlyn Bissonnette
University of Missouri
bissonnettek@missouri.edu

Abstract:

Since 1990, wheat and barley farmers in the United States have lost over 3 billion dollars in yield and quality lost due to FHB epidemics. FHB ultimately effects grain quality resulting in lower test weights and mycotoxin accumulation in grain which adversely affect livestock and consumers. Fungicides used for FHB control vary in cost and efficacy adding complexity to decision-making for producers when making management decisions. In this study the soft red winter wheat variety Pioneer 25R40 treated with Lumigen was planted at 2 different locations in Missouri. Small plots measuring 5 ft by 30 ft were planted and replicated four times. A non-treated control was included, and 5 fungicide treatments were applied: Prosaro (6.5 oz per acre), Prosaro (8.2 oz per acre), Caramba, and Miravis Ace all applied at Feekes 10.5.1 (50% anthesis), and Miravis Ace applied at Feekes 10.3 (50% heading). All fungicide applications were applied with a 5 ft hand boom and pressurized backpack sprayer. To ensure uniform disease pressure, a spore suspension of 50,000 spores per mL of Fusarium graminearum inoculum was applied to each plot at Feekes 10.5.1 with a 5 ft hand boom and pressurized backpack sprayer. FHB ratings were conducted at 21- and 28- days post fungicide application, yield was collected at harvest, and percent Fusarium damaged kernels were calculated for each plot. After harvest, no statistical differences among treatments were observed for yield. Rather, yield was most impacted by the year-by-location interaction. While there was no statistical increase in yield for any treatment, there were statistical differences among treatments for both test weight and FDKs. The data indicated that Miravis Ace applied at Feekes 10.5.1 may not result in a yield increase but may result in a greater revenue due to less product discarded through dockage from low test weight or the presence of FDK at grain elevators. With the variability that occurs with FHB epidemics from year to year, it is important to consider the most effective products available to reduce quality losses from low test weights and high FDK percentages may not result in significant increases in yield.


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