Timing fungicide to fight fusarium | Wheat School

Protecting winter wheat during pollination can make the difference between preserving yield and quality or leaving the crop vulnerable to one of its most damaging diseases. That’s why the T3 fungicide timing remains one of the most important management decisions of the season. In this episode of RealAgriculture’s Wheat School, host Bernard Tobin is joined by Bayer Crop Science customer solutions lead Tyler Sabelli at the company’s Chatham, Ont., research farm to discuss how growers can maximize the effectiveness of a T3 fungicide application. Sabelli says the primary target at T3 is fusarium head blight (FHB), which can reduce grain quality and increase DON levels, but the application also provides an opportunity to manage leaf diseases such as septoria, powdery mildew, and stripe rust. While stripe rust pressure appears localized this season, it has been confirmed in Ontario and remains on the radar. Getting the timing right starts with careful scouting. Sabelli says growers should begin monitoring fields as heads emerge, targeting the application shortly after flowering begins. Day 2 up to Day 5 is optimal timing,” he says, referring to the period after full head emergence when yellow anthers first appear in the middle of the wheat head. While applications will still provide value up to seven or eight days after flowering begins, the goal is to target as many heads as possible during the ideal window. Field variability can complicate the decision. In this case, Sabelli recommends spraying when 75 per cent of heads have fully emerged and about half of those heads are showing flowers. Weather conditions also play a significant role. Although rainfall often receives the most attention, humidity, dew, and overnight temperatures are equally important drivers of fusarium development. When it comes to return on investment, Sabelli points to research from the University of Guelph’s Dr. Dave Hooker showing T3 fungicide applications provide an average yield increase of about 5.5 bushels per acre, with gains approaching eight bushels under higher disease pressure. Additional benefits can include improved straw quality and reduced environmental stress on the crop. When it comes to application, coverage is critical. Sabelli recommends a minimum of 15 gallons of water per acre, with 20 gallons preferred where possible. Twin-fan nozzles can help improve coverage of the wheat head, while lower boom heights and coarse droplets help reduce drift and ensure fungicide reaches its target. Website: https://www.realagriculture.com/ #wheat #farming #agriculture Find us on our other social media platforms: X/Twitter:   / realagriculture   Instagram:   / realagriculture   Facebook:   / realagmedia