Effect of benzovindiflupyr + azoxystrobin + propiconazole fungicide applied at different growth stages on foliar disease severity, grain yield, and economic benefit of hybrid corn grown in Kentucky

Field trials were conducted across nine different environments in Kentucky in 2017 and 2018 that evaluated a fungicide containing benzovindiflupyr + azoxystrobin + propiconazole applied to hybrid corn (Zea mays) at the six-leaf collar stage (V6) or at silking (R1) and a sequential application timing (V6 + R1). Results indicated that treatments that included an R1 application provided the best foliar disease control and were the only treatments that preserved yields compared with the nontreated control. A single application at R1 did not differ from the sequential V6 + R1 application for disease control or yield response, suggesting that Kentucky corn growers likely can rely on a more cost-effective single fungicide application at R1 for foliar disease management and improve return on fungicide investment rather than making multiple applications at different timings.