Effect of in-Furrow Fungicides on Corn Seedling Diseases and Yield

Southern rust of corn, caused by Puccinia polysora, has been a disease of concern in Kentucky over the last two years, causing significant yield loss in 2016. The fungus that causes the disease moves north each season on wind currents, and its arrival and impact on corn in Kentucky is difficult to predict annually. The disease frequently appears after tasseling and into grain fill, prompting farmers and agribusiness personnel to ask if these late symptoms are causing yield loss, and if late fungicide applications are warranted for disease management and to improve standability. Questions remain on the optimum timing for fungicide application based on planting date, and the impact of these applications and late infections of southern rust and other foliar diseases, such as gray leaf spot on standability of corn. Understanding the relationship between fungicide timing and the influence of foliar disease on stalk quality and standability will help us more fully understand how to maximize profitability of fungicide use in corn. The objectives of this project are to: 1. Determine the effect of fungicide timing on foliar disease control, and stalk quality (standability) at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center. 2. Disseminate results to stakeholders through multiple formats, including UK County Agents, meetings, print and web resources.