Foliar Fungcide Treatments for Control of Diseases of Wheat

Entomology and Plant Pathology Departmental Series No. 14 Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station William Batchelor, Director Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama January 2011

CONTENTS
page Introduction and Methods ............................................................................................................................................................3 General Results and Interpretation...............................................................................................................................................3 Fungicide Tests, 2007-2008 .........................................................................................................................................................4 Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center Tests, 2007-2008 ...............................................................................4 Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, 2007-2008 ...................................................................................................6 Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, 2007-2008 .........................................................................................6 Fungicide Tests, 2008-2009 .........................................................................................................................................................7 Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center Tests, 2008-2009 ...............................................................................7 Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, 2008-2009 ...................................................................................................8 Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, 2007-2008 ........................................................................................8 Fungicide Tests, 2009-2010 .......................................................................................................................................................10 Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center Tests, 2009-2010 ................................................................................10 Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, 2009-2010 .................................................................................................10 Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, 2009-2010 ......................................................................................12

Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Kathy Burch, research associate (retired), who collected disease data for the studies presented in this publication, and the following directors and associate directors of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station research centers for all their efforts: Tony Dawkins, director, and Joyce Ducar, associate director, Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center; Chet Norris, director, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center; Don Moore, director, Prattville Agricultural Research Unit; and Malcomb Pegues and Jarrod Jones, associate directors, Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center.

Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employee.

http:www.auburn.edu http:www.aaes.auburn.edu

This report can be found on the Web at www.aaes.auburn.edu/comm/pubs/entplp/entplp-14.pdf

FOLIAR FUNGICIDE TREATMENTS FOR CONTROL OF DISEASES OF WHEAT
K. L. Bowen

INTRODUCTION AND METHODS
inter wheat is grown throughout the state of Alabama, with planting done in fall and harvest in spring. Over the past three years, the value of the crop has ranged from $17 to $84.5 million dollars across the state. Wherever wheat is grown, disease problems can limit grain yields, and rust diseases are particularly limiting to yield. While cultivar resistance plays a major role in the amount of disease seen on wheat and on the level of grain loss due to disease, fungicides remain an option for fungal disease control when cultivar resistance to diseases proves inadequate. Consequently, fungicide trials on winter wheat in Alabama were conducted for three growing seasons (2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010) to determine the effect of foliar fungicide treatments on winter wheat in different regions of the state. This report summarizes these results. Tests were conducted in North Alabama at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center near Belle Mina (Limestone Co.), in Central Alabama at the Prattville Agricultural Research Unit (Autauga Co.), in South Alabama at the Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center near Fairhope (Baldwin Co.), and in North Alabama at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center in Crossville (DeKalb Co.). Cultivars included in these tests were Pioneer 26R61, Red Ruby, and AGS 2026; these were used primarily because of seed availability. Commercially available fungicides were applied at label rates and application timings in all trials. Products and the year and site of evaluations are provided in Table 1. All of these fungicides are systemic; that is, these chemistries are absorbed into plant tissue to some degree and so have some rain resistance and may have kick-back activity. Generally, standard production practices were followed, with fungicides applied to foliage as noted in each test. Growth stages used for fungicide application timing are referring to the Feekes’ scale and are usually limited to GS 8 (ﬂag leaf just visible) and GS 10 (ﬂag leaf whole, sheath swollen by ear) except where delayed due to weather conditions. Each test consisted of a randomized complete block of treatment combinations with four replications. None of the tests were irrigated. Diseases were rated at each location during the spring of each year and included leaf rust, caused by Puccinia recondita (also known as P. triticina); stripe rust, caused by P.

W

striiformis; Septoria leaf blotch, caused by Septoria tritici, and Fusarium head blight (also known as scab). Diseases were rated on a scale from 0 (no disease) to 10 (leaves are dead apparently to infection or high incidence of affected heads). Disease ratings for leaf rust, stripe rust, and Septoria leaf blotch were made on the ﬂag leaf while scab was rated on incidence across each plot. Diseases were rated prior to the soft dough stage (GS 11.2). Yields for each plot were measured at harvest and 1000 kernel weights were obtained. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and statistical differences between treatment means were distinguished using Fisher’s protected least signiﬁcant difference using P ≤ 0.05.

GENERAL RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION
Plant hardiness zones across Alabama vary from zone 7a in the north to 8b in the south. These zones reﬂect the average minimum temperatures—0 to 5 degrees F for the northern counties in the state to 15 to 20 degrees F for the southernmost counties. Actual temperatures and rainfall amounts recorded for test locations during the wheat growing seasons are presented in tables. In general, temperatures are 5 to 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler in northern counties than in southern counties. Since the wheat plant is adapted to relatively dry and cool climates, one would expect lower grain yields from trials in southern locations than from trials in northern locations. However, this was not a clear trend in every year of these trials. In 2009, yields in the test at Belle Mina were between 55 and 68 bushels per acre while at Fairhope, yields were closer to 80 bushels per acre. In 2010, yields at all three sites were similar, averaging 67 bushels per acre. In the three years of tests presented in this report, rust diseases, which are commonly found on winter wheat in Alabama, were more limiting to yield in the south than in the north. Septoria leaf blotch occurance was lower, as were prevailing temperatures, in 2010 than in the two preceding growing seasons included in the study. In addition, the disease called scab or Fusarium head blight, also affected the wheat crop in North Alabama in two of the past three years. Scab is important not only because of yield decreases it can cause, but also because of mycotoxins that infect the grain with disease. Rust diseases prevailed in 2008 on Red Ruby; without fungicide treatment, leaf rust intensity developed to high lev-

Bowen is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Patholoty in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University.

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Table 1. Fungicide Products Included in Tests with Chemical Name, Percent Active Ingredient and Label Rates of Use on Wheat Fungicide Generic % Active Manufacturer Label rate of product use (per acre) Folicur 3.6 F tebuconazole 38.7 Bayer 4 ﬂ oz Headline pyraclostrobin 23.6 Bayer 9 to 19 ﬂ oz Orbit Propiconazole 41.8 Syngenta Orbit not labeled for wheat; see Tilt Proline 480 SC prothioconazole 41 Bayer 4.3 to 5.0 ﬂ oz for foliar and stem diseases, 5.0 to 5.7 ﬂ oz for suppression of Fusarium head blight Prosaro Prothioconazole 19 Bayer 6.5 to 8.2 ﬂ oz + tebuconazole 19 Punch carbendazim 11.8 Dupont Discontinued +ﬂusilazole 23.6 Quilt propiconazole 11.7 Syngenta 7 to 14 ﬂ. oz + azoxystrobin 7 Quilt Xcel Azoxystrobin 13.5 Syngenta 10.5-14 ﬂ oz + propiconazole 11.7 Stratego propiconazole 11.4 Bayer 10 ﬂ oz + triﬂoxystrobin 11.4 Stratego YLD Prothioconazole 10.8 Bayer Not currently labeled for wheat + triﬂoxystrobin 32.3 Tilt propiconazole 41.8 Syngenta 4 ﬂ oz Topguard ﬂutriafol 11.8 Cheminova Not currently labeled for wheat Twinline pyraclostrobin 12 BASF 7 to 9 ﬂ oz, twice + metaconazole 7.4

els throughout the state. Prevailing weather played an important role in the occurrence of rust diseases and the intensity to which they develop. Most of the fungicides tested provided some decrease in rust levels and improved 1000 kernel weight. The best treatments included two applications of a Topguard formulation or Stratego. In 2009, leaf rust developed to moderate levels in South Alabama while Septoria leaf blotch intensity occurred at moderate and moderately high levels in Central and North Alabama, respectively. Scab, or Fusarium head blight, was also seen in North Alabama. Most of the fungicide treatments provided some reduction in disease levels in Central and South Alabama. However, yield quantity and, even more so, yield quality (1000 kernel weight) were improved with fungicide treatment in North and South Alabama. Where included, treatments with Proline at Feekes’ stage 8, Twinline or Stratego, provided the greatest yield increase. In 2010, Septoria leaf blotch was seen throughout the state at low to moderate intensity. Fusarium head blight was observed only in North Alabama where this disease occurred at moderate-to-low levels. Disease levels were reduced slightly in North Alabama with fungicide, but this trend was not seen in Central and South Alabama, probably because disease levels stayed low even on nontreated plots. Yield and 1000 kernel weight were improved slightly with most fungicide treatments in North and Central Alabama. Fungicide application costs start at $15 per acre, which includes product plus equipment costs. With wheat prices hovering above $5 per bushel, fungicide application is justiﬁed if it increases yield by 3 bushels per acre bump in yield. Most of the fungicide treatments evaluated in these tests did provide

such a yield increase, especially when any of the diseases were observed at moderate or greater intensities. Grade may also be improved with fungicide use.

FUNGICIDE TESTS, 2007-2008
All tests were planted with Red Ruby and conventional tillage practices were used. No tests were irrigated. Each test consisted of a randomized complete block of foliar treatments replicated four times. Additional details on agronomic practices can be found in Table 2. Tennessee Valley had fairly dry conditions early in the season during seedling growth; otherwise rainfall was plentiful at all test locations in the 2007 to 2008 wheat growing season. Temperatures at Prattville and in Fairhope (Gulf Coast) were similar during these months. Weather observations can be found in Table 3. Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center Tests, 2007-2008 Leaf rust developed to moderately high levels on nontreated control plots; no other diseases were observed in this test with Red Ruby. All fungicides reduced leaf rust, but only those applied at Feekes’ stage 10 provided a signiﬁcant reduction in disease at the last rating date. Yield quantity was good (overall average was 77 bushels per acre) and was similar to that of other varieties grown in other tests at this location. While yield quantity was unaffected by fungicide treatment, test weight (1000 kernel weight.) was signiﬁcantly improved by all treatments. See Table 4.

FOLIAR FUNGICIDE TREATMENTS FOR CONTROL OF DISEASE OF WHEAT Table 2. Agronomic Practices Followed in Fungicide Tests, 2007-2008 Location Tennessee Valley REC Prattville Agricultural Belle Mina Research Unit, Prattville Planting date 11/2/2007 11/8/2007 Seeding rate 90 lb/A 120 lb/A Preceding crop corn Summer fallow Row width 7 inches 7 inches Soil analysis P - high P - medium K - high K - high Soil pH 6.0 6.0 Soil organic matter < 1% < 1% Starter fertilizer 20 lbs N/A (34-0-0) 11/19/07 20 lbs N/A (34-0-0) 11/8/07 Sulfur(20-100-60-10S), 10/9/07 Post-plant fertilizer 80 lbs N/A (34-0-0) 2/19/08 60 lbs N/A (34-0-0) 2/15/08 Plot size:

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Gulf Coast REC Fairhope 12/3/2007 120 lb/A Summer fallow 7 inches P - medium K - medium 5.9 < 1% 363 lb/A (5-27-16) + 10 lb/A 235 lb/A Ammonium Sulfate and Urea (80-0-0), 2/11/08 treated 10 × 15 ft harvested 5 × 15 ft none

treated 10 × 20 ft treated 5 × 20 ft harvested 5 × 20 ft harvested 5 × 20 ft Insecticide application Mustang Max (2.5 oz/A) 5/23/08 none Application of experimental products Feekes’ stage 8 3/31/08 3/29/08 Feekes’ stage 9 4/9/08* Feekes’ stage 10 4/18/08 4/7/08 Feekes’ stage 10.2 4/16/08* Harvest date 6/9/08 6/9/08 6/2/08 *Request for application at FS 8; due to weather conditions, these applications were delayed. Table 3. Weather Observations in Alabama, December 2007–May 2008 —Tennessee Valley— ——Prattville—— Average Daily Total Average Daily Total Temp (F) Rainfall Temp (F) Rainfall Min Max in. Min Max in. December 36.9 58.1 1.25 63.8 42.9 2.68 January 26.7 48.5 1.79 56.3 33.8 3.55 February 32.3 55.2 5.15 64.1 37.4 4.34 March 40.0 63.3 3.47 71.3 44 5.54 April 48.9 41.1 3.62 76.9 54.9 5.02 May 57.3 78.4 4.04 85.1 63 4.35

——Gulf Coast—— Average Daily Total Temp (F) Rainfall Min Max in. 68.4 48.7 5.39 59.4 39.4 7.15 67.3 43.1 5.06 70.7 48.4 4.26 76.8 57.5 4.72 83.5 66.5 8.79

Table 4. Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center Tests, Belle Mina, Limestone County, 2007-2008 Foliar treatment Application —————Leaf Rust 1————— Bushels 1000 Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage April 30 May 7 May 13 per acre wt. (g) Nontreated control 0.45 ab 2 2.55 ab 6.05 a 71.51 a 32.06 e Tilt 3.6 EC (4) 83 0.55 a 2.90 a 5.73 ab 74.80 a 33.65 d Stratego 250EC (10) 8 0.28 abc 2.10 a-d 5.24 ab 77.07 a 33.93 cd Headline (9) 8 0.38 ab 1.88 a-e 5.18 ab 77.71 a 34.39 a-d Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 0.53 a 1.90 a-e 5.38 ab 77.60 a 33.78 cd Punch 3.3 EC (4) 8 0.43 ab 2.28 abc 5.45 ab 76.45 a 34.39 a-d Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 0.15 c 1.75 b-e 4.56 bc 77.53 a 35.36 a Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 4 8 FB 0.38 ab 2.11 a-e 5.05 ab 76.71 a 34.23 bcd Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 8 FB 0.18 bc 1.43 cde 4.40 bc 79.05 a 34.87 abc FB Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 FB 0.08 c 1.20 de 3.56 cd 80.35 a 35.27 ab FB Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 Punch 3.3 EC (3) FB 8 FB 0.03 c 0.93 e 2.19 d 83.01 a 35.31 ab Punch 3.3 EC (3) 10 Stratego 250EC (5) FB 8 FB 0.08 c 0.98 e 3.25 cd 77.13 a 35.35 a Stratego 250EC (5) 10 FLSD (P = 0.05) 0.27 1.10 1.39 7.59 1.10 1 Leaf rust was rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 3 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible. 4 FB = followed by.

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Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, 2007-2008 Leaf rust and stripe rust were observed in this test with Red Ruby. Leaf rust developed to high levels on nontreated control plots while stripe rust remained at low levels. All fungicides reduced disease levels except for Punch at 4 ﬂuid ounces per acre applied at Feekes’ stage 8, and most of those disease reductions were statistically signiﬁcant reductions. Yields of plots in this test were good and were better than those of varieties in other tests at this same location. All fungicide treatments signiﬁcantly improved yield quantity and most improved yield quality as measured by test weight. See Table 5.

Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, 2007-2008 Leaf rust was the only disease observed in this test with Red Ruby and it developed to high levels on nontreated control plots. All fungicides reduced disease levels and all but one treatment signiﬁcantly reduced rust in this test. However, yield quantity was not affected by fungicide treatment. In addition, yields (bushels per acre) were very low, averaging about half of wheat varieties in other tests at this location. Yield quality, as 1000 kernel weight, was signiﬁcantly improved with every fungicide treatment in this test. See Table 6.

Table 5. Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, Prattville, Autauga County, 2007-2008 Foliar treatment Application ——Leaf Rust 1—— Stripe Rust 1 Bushels 1000 Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage April 30 May 5 May 5 per acre wt. (g) Nontreated control 2.33 a 2 6.68 a 1.63 ab 76.91 c 28.01 d Tilt 3.6 EC (4) 83 0.83 b 4.50 bc 1.50 ab 98.72 ab 30.27 cd Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 0.55 b 3.55 cd 0.55 b 98.45 ab 32.46 bc Punch 3.3 EC (4) 8 1.01 ab 5.23 ab 2.15 a 94.34 b 33.53 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 0.33 b 1.78 e 0.05 c 99.68 ab 33.36 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 4 8 FB 0.13 b 1.90 e 0.20 c 104.19 ab 35.22 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 Topguard 1.04 SC (10) FB 8 FB 0.20 b 2.27 de 0.13 c 106.65a 33.90 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 Topguard 1.04 SC (14) FB 8 FB 0.00 b 1.63 e 0.10 c 107.06 a 34.31 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 Punch 3.3 EC (3) FB 8 FB 0.15 b 0.85 e 0.00 c 101.45 ab 33.79 ab Punch 3.3 EC (3) 10 Stratego 250EC (5) FB 8 FB 0.18 b 1.56 e 0.23 c 108.29 a 35.65 a Stratego 250EC (5) 10 FLSD (P = 0.05) 1.45 1.54 1.10 11.06 3.00 1 Rust diseases were rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 3 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible. 4 FB = followed by. Table 6. Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, Fairhope, Baldwin County, 2007-2008 Foliar treatment Application ——Leaf Rust 1—— Bushels 1000 Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage April 18 April 23 per acre wt. (g) Nontreated control 2.43 a 2 6.98 a 15.25 a 32.06 e Tilt 3.6 EC (4) 83 0.65 d 0.53 f 25.14 a 33.65 d Stratego 250EC (10) 8 1.00 bcd 2.76 cde 28.13 a 33.93 cd Headline (9) 8 1.85 abc 3.75 cd 19.68 a 34.39 a-d Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 0.50 d 0.80 f 25.13 a 33.78 cd Punch 3.3 EC (4) 8 0.70 d 1.08 e 21.45 a 34.39 a-d Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 2.70 a 4.13 bc 19.75 a 35.36 a Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 4 8 FB 0.75 cd 0.68 f 22.84 a 34.23 bcd Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 Topguard 1.04 SC (10) FB 8 FB 0.98 cd 0.28 f 27.52 a 34.87 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 Topguard 1.04 SC (14) FB 8 FB 2.60 a 5.55 ab 23.25 a 35.27 ab Punch 3.3 EC (3) 10 Punch 3.3 EC (3) FB 8 FB 1.00 bcd 0.65 f 24.16 a 35.31 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 Stratego 250EC (5) FB 8 FB 0.87 cd 1.20 ef 27.18 a 35.35 a Stratego 250EC (5) 10 FLSD (P = 0.05) 1.11 1.72 5.39 1.10 1 Leaf rust was rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 3 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible. 4 FB = followed by.

FOLIAR FUNGICIDE TREATMENTS FOR CONTROL OF DISEASE OF WHEAT

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FUNGICIDE TESTS, 2008-2009
All tests were planted to Pioneer 26R61 and conventional tillage practices were used. No tests were irrigated and no insecticide applications were needed. Each test consisted of a randomized complete block of foliar treatments replicated four times. See Table 7. Rainfall was plentiful at all test locations during the 20082009 wheat growing season. Temperatures in April and May, at Prattville and at Belle Mina (Tennessee Valley), were cooler than 30-year normal temperatures, while at Fairhope, temperatures were warmer than normal. See Table 8.

Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center Tests, 2008-2009 Septoria leaf blotch and Fusarium head blight (scab) were the only diseases noted in tests on Pioneer 26R61 at Belle Mina in 2009. Leaf blotch was observed at high levels on all plots, regardless of fungicide treatment. Scab levels were moderate throughout the test. Yield quantities were improved slightly with all treatments compared to the nontreated control; however, only Proline applied at Feekes’ stage 8 and Twinline applied at Feekes’ stage 10 signiﬁcantly improved yield. Yield quality, in terms of 1000 kernel weight, was improved by most fungicide treatments compared to the nontreated control. Signiﬁcant

Table 7. Agronomic Practices Followed in Fungicide Tests, 2008-2009 Location Tennessee Valley REC Prattville Agricultural Belle Mina Research Unit, Prattville Planting date 11/4/08 11/10/08 Seeding rate 90 lb/A 120 lb/A Preceding crop corn Summer fallow Row width 7 inches 7 inches Soil analysis P - high P - medium K - high K - high Soil pH 6.0 6.0 Soil organic matter < 1% < 1% Starter fertilizer 200 lbs/A (0-20-20) 10/22/08; 20 lbs N/A (34-0-0) 11/5/08 363 lb/A (5-27-26) + 10 lb/A Sulfur (20-100-60-10S), 9/19/08 Post-plant fertilizer Urea (80-0-0), 2/9/09 Plot size 80 lbs N/A (34-0-0) 2/13/09 60 lbs N/A (34-0-0) 2/24/09

Gulf Coast REC Fairhope 11/21/08 120 lb/A Summer fallow 7 inches P - medium K - medium 5.9 < 1% 20 lbs N/A (34-0-0) 11/14/08 235 lb/A Ammonium Sulfate and treated 10 × 15 ft harvested 5 × 15 ft 3/30/09* 4/3/09* (actually FS 10.3) 5/20/09

treated 10 × 20 ft treated 5 × 20 ft harvested 5 × 20 ft harvested 5 × 20 ft Application of experimental products Feekes’ stage 8 3/30/09 3/30/09 Feekes’ stage 10 4/10/09 4/9/09 Feekes’ stage 10.5 Harvest date 6/10/09 6/8/09 *Treatment planned for Feekes’ stage 8 , but delayed due to weather conditions. Table 8. Weather Observations in Alabama, December 2008 –May 2009 —Tennessee Valley— ——Prattville—— Average Daily Total Average Daily Total Temp (F) Rainfall Temp (F) Rainfall Min Max in. Min Max in. December 53.7 33.3 9.95 62.7 42 4.48 January 48.8 27.6 3.54 59.8 35.8 2.16 February 56.7 31.1 2.59 64.1 35.8 4.82 March 63.7 43 5.02 71.2 48.8 9.38 April 70.1 47.8 4.94 75.8 52.2 3.65 May 76.8 61.2 9.53 82.5 66.3 10.6

——Gulf Coast—— Average Daily Total Temp (F) Rainfall Min Max in. 66.7 47.1 2.89 63.8 41 2.03 66.3 41.7 4.57 73.8 52.4 12.35 75.5 56.5 1.99 82 67 2.72

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improvement in 1000 kernel weight was seen with Twinline (applied at Feekes’ stage 8 or 10), Topguard at 14 ﬂuid ounces applied at Feekes’ stage 8 or at 10 ﬂuid ounces applied Feekes’ stage 10, and Tilt at 4 ﬂuid ounces applied at Feekes’ stage 10. See Table 9. Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, 2008-2009 Septoria leaf blotch was the only disease observed at the Prattville location, and the disease developed to moderately low levels on the nontreated control plots. While most fungicides provided a slight reduction in leaf blotch levels, only Twinline (applied at Feekes’ stage 8 or 10), and Topguard at 7 ﬂuid ounces, Tilt and Stratego applied at Feekes’ stage 10 provided statistically signiﬁcant reductions in disease levels compared to the nontreated control. Yield quantity was excellent, averaging 96 bushels per acre across all plots and this quantity was greater than yields of other varieties in other tests at this location. No differences were observed in yield quality as measured by 1000 kernel weights. See Table 10.

Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, 2008-2009 Leaf rust and Septoria leaf blotch were both observed in this test and each of these diseases developed to moderate levels on nontreated plots. Most of the tested products reduced leaf rust, but only Tilt at Feekes’ stage 8, Twinline at Feekes’ stage 8 or 10, Folicur at Feekes’ stage 8 or 10, Topguard at 14 ﬂuid ounces at Feekes’ stage 10, Stratego at Feekes’ stage 10 signiﬁcantly reduced leaf rust compared to the control. Almost all tested products provided signiﬁcant reductions in Septoria leaf blotch compared to the nontreated control plots. Yield quantities were good, averaging 78 bushels per acre across all plots. Most of these fungicide treatments provided a slight increase in yield quantity, but only Twinline applied at Feekes’ stage 8 signiﬁcantly improved yield compared to the nontreated control plots. Yield quality as measured by 1000 kernel weight was signiﬁcantly improved by almost all fungicide treatments. See Table 11.

Table 9. Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center Tests, Belle Mina, Limestone County, 2008-2009 Foliar treatment Application —Septoria Leaf Blotch1— Bushels 1000 Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage May 20 May 26 Scab 2 per acre wt. (g) Nontreated control 3.12 b-e 3 5.80 ab 2.38 a 59.12 bc 41.92 de Tilt 3.6 EC (4) 84 3.36 a-d 6.22 a 2.25 a 63.32 abc 42.64 b-e Stratego 250EC (10) 8 3.90 a 6.49 a 1.88 a 60.08 abc 42.78 b-e Headline (9) 8 2.97 cde 5.75 ab 2.13 a 63.48 abc 42.80 b-e Twinline (11) 8 3.33 abc 5.73 ab 1.75 a 62.20 abc 44.17 a Folicur 3.6F (4) 8 3.85 ab 5.98 a 3.00 a 57.52 c 42.52 b-e Proline 480 (5) 8 2.98 cde 5.98 a 2.75 a 66.33 a 42.41 cde Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 8 3.70 abc 5.98 a 2.25 a 62.81 abc 41.69 e Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 8 3.63 abc 6.38 a 2.00 a 63.13 abc 42.79 b-e Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 3.18 a-e 5.83 ab 2.88 a 62.93 abc 42.87 bcd Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 3.52 a-d 5.80 ab 1.63 a 62.50 abc 42.74 b-e Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 2.85 def 5.78 ab 1.25 a 62.09 abc 43.59 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 3.19 a-e 5.67 ab 2.63 a 62.23 abc 42.61 b-e Tilt 3.6 EC (4) 10 2.20 f 5.00 b 2.00 a 62.45 abc 43.25 abc Stratego 250EC (10) 10 2.52 ef 6.35 a 2.25 a 61.69 abc 42.79 b-e Twinline (11) 10 0.98 g 3.63 c 1.75 a 66.45 a 44.13 a Proline 480 SC (5) 10 3.40 a-d 6.48 a 3.25 a 65.14 ab 42.41 cde Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 5 8 FB 3.38 ad 5.68 ab 1.75 a 60.46 abc 42.57 b-e Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 FLSD (P = 0.05) 0.73 0.94 1.36 6.60 1.17 1 Septoria leaf blotch was rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Scab or Fusarium head blight was rated on a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 = no disease and 5 = 90 to 100% of plants in plots showing symptoms of scab. 3 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 4 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible. 5 FB = followed by.

FOLIAR FUNGICIDE TREATMENTS FOR CONTROL OF DISEASE OF WHEAT Table 10. Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, Prattville, Autauga County, 20082009 Septoria Leaf 1000 Foliar treatment Appl. Blotch1 Bushels Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage May 12 per acre wt. (g) Nontreated control 2.43 a 2 97.45 ab 45.34 a Stratego 250EC (10) 83 1.89 ab 97.45 ab 44.03 a Twinline (11) 8 1.12 c 95.80 ab 44.01 a Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 8 2.50 a 96.01 ab 45.86 a Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 8 2.00 ab 91.45 b 44.18 a Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 2.13 ab 94.97 ab 44.83 a Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 1.40 b 92.49 b 45.02 a Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 1.69 ab 98.28 ab 45.66 a Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 1.81 abc 97.04 ab 45.36 a Tilt 3.6 EC (4) 10 1.40 bc 92.28 b 44.76 a Stratego 250EC (10) 10 0.89 c 102.42 a 44.89 a Twinline (11) 10 1.38 bc 99.32 ab 46.04 a FLSD (P = 0.05) 0.99 8.68 1.82 1 Septoria leaf blotch was rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 3 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible.

9

Table 11. Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, Fairhope, Baldwin County, 2008-2009 Septoria Septoria Foliar treatment Application ——Leaf Rust 1—— Leaf Blotch 1 Bushels 1000 Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage April 28 May 4 May 4 per acre wt. (g) Nontreated control 3.25 a 2 2.79 abc 2.98 a 73.87 b 43.49 d Tilt 3.6 EC (4) 83 0.45 fgh 1.45 fgh 1.66 b-f 79.64 ab 45.64 bc Stratego 250EC (10) 8 1.53 cde 1.85 b-f 2.03 bcd 80.66 ab 46.06 abc Headline (9) 8 0.65 e-h 2.03 a-f 1.65 b-f 78.65 ab 46.53 abc Twinline (11) 8 0.08 gh 0.43 hi 1.15 efg 81.51 a 47.75 a Folicur 3.6F (4) 8 0.00 h 1.15 f-i 1.58 c-g 76.85 ab 46.59 abc Proline 480 (5) 8 0.88 e-h 2.06 a-f 1.72 b-f 80.88 ab 46.69 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 8 2.58 ab 2.87 ab 2.23 bc 78.08 ab 46.49 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 8 2.11 bcd 2.65 a-d 2.35 ab 78.77 ab 46.47 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 2.43 abc 2.95 a 1.98 bcd 77.63 ab 46.75 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 1.50 cde 1.93 a-f 1.90 b-e 78.48 ab 46.14 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 0.93 e-h 1.98 a-f 1.60 c-g 78.80 ab 46.18 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 1.05 efg 1.58 d-g 1.58 c-g 74.47 b 46.05 abc Tilt 3.6 EC (4) 10 0.93 e-h 1.75 c-f 1.14 efg 78.79 ab 45.12 cd Stratego 250EC (10) 10 0.70 e-h 1.55 efg 1.45 d-g 79.70 ab 47.46 ab Twinline (11) 10 0.05 h 0.53 ghi 0.90 g 76.14 ab 46.99 abc Folicur 3.6F (4) 10 0.23 gh 0.13 i 1.20 efg 74.59 ab 46.68 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 4 8 FB 1.23 def 2.63 a-e 2.05 bcd 77.16ab 47.04 abc Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 FLSD (P = 0.05) 0.99 1.05 0.73 7.02 1.95 1 Leaf rust and Septoria leaf blotch were rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 3 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible. 4 FB = followed by.

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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

FUNGICIDE TESTS 2009-2010
All tests were planted to AGS 2026 and conventional tillage practices were used. No tests were irrigated. Each test consisted of a randomized complete block of foliar treatments replicated four times. See Table 12. Temperatures at all locations were slightly cooler than 30-year normal temperatures. Rainfall was generally adequate except during April at both the Prattville and Fairhope (Gulf Coast) sites. See Table 13. Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center Tests, 2009-2010 Septoria leaf blotch and Fusarium head blight (scab) developed to moderate levels in plots on AGS 2026. All of the fungicide products tested reduced leaf blotch, but only formulations of Quilt and two applications of 7 ﬂuid ounces of Topguard provided signiﬁcant reductions in this disease compared to the nontreated control plots. Most of these products also reduced scab, but none provided a statistical reduction compared

to the nontreated plots. Yield quantities were slightly greater from fungicide treated plots compared to the nontreated plots, but only Topguard at 14 ﬂuid ounces applied at Feekes’ stage 8 signiﬁcantly improved yield quantity compared to the nontreated control. Yield quality, in terms of 1000 kernel weight, was generally improved with fungicide treatment; however, only Orbit and Twinline applied at Feekes’ stage 8, and Prosaro applied at Feekes’ stage 10 provided statistical improvements in 1000 kernel weight. See Table 14. Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, 2009-2010 Septoria leaf blotch was observed in this test at low levels. None of the tested fungicides signiﬁcantly reduced leaf blotch compared to the nontreated control. Yields averaged 68 bushels per acre, which was slightly better than yields of wheat in a variety trial at the same location. All of the fungicides tested improved yield quality (1000 kernel weight), but only Stratego YLD applied as Feekes’ stage 8, Topguard at 14 ﬂuid ounces applied Feekes’ stage 8 or 10 signiﬁcantly improved quality compared to the nontreated plots. See Table 15.

Table 12. Agronomic Practices Followed in Fungicide Tests, 2009-2010 Location Sand Mountain REC Prattville Agricultural Crossville Research Unit, Prattville Planting date 11/9/09 11/16/09 Seeding rate 90 lb/A 90 lb/A Preceding crop soybean Summer fallow Row width 7 inches 7 inches Soil analysis P - high P - high K - high K - high Soil pH 5.9 6.0 Soil organic matter < 2% < 1% Starter fertilizer 20 lbs N/A 34-0-0, 11/6/09 20 lbs N/A, 11/19/09 (20-60-40-10S), 10/1/09 Post-plant fertilizer 70 lbs N/A 34-0-0, 3/1/10 70 lbs N/A, 2/28/10 225 lb/A 34-0-34 (70-0-0), 2/19/10 Plot size Treated 20 × 20 ft harvested 5 × 20 ft Insecticide application Mustang Max 4 oz/A on 3/5 and 3/16/10; Harmony Extra 0.9 oz/A + Aguidex 1 qt/100 gal, Warrior 2.5 ﬂ oz/A on 4/15/10 Application of experimental products Feekes’ stage 8 4/9/10 Feekes’ stage 10 4/23/10 Harvest date 6/9/10 treated 5 × 20 ft harvested 5 × 20 ft none

Gulf Coast REC Fairhope 11/19/09 120 lb/A Summer fallow 7 inches P - medium K - medium 5.9 < 1% 210 lb/A 11-28-19 + 10 lb/A Sulfur

treated 10 × 15 ft harvested 5 × 15 ft none

4/12/10 4/15/10 6/8/10

3/31/10 4/9/10 6/4/10

Table 13. Weather Observations in Alabama, December 2008–May 2009 —Sand Mountain— ——Prattville—— Average Daily Total Average Daily Total Temp (F) Rainfall Temp (F) Rainfall Min Max in. Min Max in. December 46.7 30.2 8.13 52.3 34.5 9.16 January 42.5 24.1 4.24 51.1 28.8 5.90 February 42.2 25.6 2.91 50.9 29.6 4.04 March 55.0 36.7 4.85 62.0 40.3 4.14 April 73.1 48.3 4.86 78.0 50.1 1.48 May 78.1 58.3 5.65 84.9 63.2 3.93

——Gulf Coast—— Average Daily Total Temp (F) Rainfall Min Max in. 60.7 42.1 12.26 57.1 34.9 5.87 55.7 35.6 4.83 65.5 45.5 4.76 78.5 55.8 1.87 85.5 69.2 7.17

FOLIAR FUNGICIDE TREATMENTS FOR CONTROL OF DISEASE OF WHEAT

11

Table 14. Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center Tests, Crossville, DeKalb County, 2009-2010 Septoria Foliar treatment Application Leaf Blotch 1 Scab 2 Bushels 1000 Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage May 25 May 25 per acre wt. (g) 2.50 a 64.31 c 28.14 de Nontreated control 2.40 a 3 *Stratego YLD (4) 84 1.90 abc 1.75 a 70.97 abc 29.16 a-d *Prosaro (8.2) 8 1.74 abc 2.00 a 68.69 abc 28.58 cde Orbit 3.6EC (4) 8 1.95 abc 2.00 a 64.51 c 29.61 abc Quilt (10.5) 8 1.67 bc 1.75 a 73.32 ab 28.56 cde Quilt (14) 8 1.67 bc 2.00 a 71.13 abc 29.40 a-d Quilt Xcel (10.5) 8 1.58 bc 2.50 a 72.55 abc 28.99 a-d Twinline (11) 8 1.78 abc 1.75 a 65.47 bc 30.09 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 8 1.93 abc 2.25 a 70.11 abc 28.72 b-e Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 8 2.12 ab 2.25 a 65.60 bc 28.77 b-e Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 1.85 abc 1.50 a 74.37 a 29.11 a-d Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 1.97 abc 2.50 a 65.80bc 27.55 e Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 2.11 ab 2.50 a 67.57 abc 28.87 a-e Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 1.83 abc 1.75 a 71.52 abc 29.18 a-d *Stratego YLD (4) 10 1.75 abc 2.50 a 71.96 abc 28.82 b-e *Prosaro (8.2) 10 2.10 ab 1.75 a 71.38 abc 30.20 a Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 5 8 FB 1.32 c 2.00 a 71.32 abc 28.94 a-d Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 **Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 8 FB 1.92 abc 2.50 a 66.01 bc 27.52 e Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 FLSD (P = 0.05) 0.66 1.03 8.24 1.37 * Indicates that treatment included Induce at (0.125% v/v). **plus Nimble 75% AW/W (0.6 oz). 1 Septoria leaf blotch was rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Scab or Fusarium head blight was rated on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 = no disease and 10 = 90 to 100% of plants in plots showing symptoms of scab. 3 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 4 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible. 5 FB = followed by. Table 15. Prattville Agricultural Research Unit Tests, Prattville, Autauga County, 2009-2010 Foliar treatment Application ——Septoria Leaf Blotch 1—— Bushels 1000 Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage April 20 May 10 per acre wt. (g) Nontreated control 0.08 a 2 1.15 ab 66.47 a 29.57 d *Stratego YLD (4) 83 0.08 a 1.48 a 68.52 a 30.43 a *Prosaro (8.2) 8 0.13 a 1.15 ab 67.38 a 29.74 bcd Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 8 0.08 a 0.98 b 67.15 a 29.75 bcd Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 8 0.10 a 1.35 ab 64.87 a 29.63 cd Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 0.08 a 1.23 ab 66.70 a 30.29 ab Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 0.11 a 1.33 ab 67.95 a 29.65 cd Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 0.13 a 1.18 ab 67.61 a 29.90 a-d Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 0.15 a 1.48 a 69.66 a 30.16 abc *Stratego YLD (4) 10 0.08 a 1.03 b 71.70 a 29.91 a-d *Prosaro (8.2) 10 0.08 a 1.18 ab 70.34 a 30.08 a-d FLSD (P = 0.05) 0.13 0.37 9.30 0.55 *Indicates that treatment included Induce at (0.125% v/v). 1 Septoria leaf blotch was rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 3 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible.

12

ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, 2009-2010 The only disease noted on AGS 2026 at this location was Septoria leaf blotch and this disease remained at low levels. Fungicide treatments did not have much of an effect on leaf blotch levels or on yields. Yields averaged 65 bushels per acre,

which was slightly lower than yields observed in variety trials at the same location. Grain weights generally did not show differences due to fungicide treatment; however, Topguard applied twice with Nimble included in the ﬁrst application, signiﬁcantly improved 1000 kernel weight compared to that from nontreated control plots. See Table 16.

Table 16. Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center Tests, Fairhope, Baldwin, County, 2009-2010 Foliar treatment Application ——Septoria Leaf Blotch 1—— Bushels 1000 Kernel ﬂ. oz./A stage April 14 May 19 per acre wt. (g) Nontreated control 0.18 bc 2 0.88 a-e 64.26 ab 28.84 bc *Stratego YLD (4) 83 0.43 ab 0.79 b-e 66.98 ab 28.05 bc *Prosaro (8.2) 8 0.65 a 0.72 cde 64.64 ab 28.67 bc Orbit 3.6EC (4) 8 0.20 bc 0.98 a-e 66.03 ab 28.17 bc Quilt (10.5) 8 0.28 bc 0.63 de 64.72 ab 28.12 bc Quilt (14) 8 0.28 bc 0.63 de 66.22 ab 28.51 bc Quilt Xcel (10.5) 8 0.20 bc 0.67 de 64.06 ab 28.25 bc Twinline (11) 8 0.10 c 0.68 de 64.87 ab 28.39 bc Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 8 0.23 bc 0.77 cde 62.44 ab 28.56 bc Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 8 0.23 bc 0.80 a-e 63.37 ab 28.50 bc Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 8 0.18 bc 1.17 a 67.18 a 27.89 bc Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 0.18 bc 1.00 a-d 65.25 ab 28.07 bc Topguard 1.04 SC (10) 10 0.25 bc 0.97 a-e 65.74 ab 28.81 bc Topguard 1.04 SC (14) 10 0.23 bc 1.07 abc 62.82 ab 29.42 ab *Stratego YLD (4) 10 0.04 c 0.78 b-e 66.38 ab 28.45 bc *Prosaro (8.2) 10 0.20 bc 0.61 e 63.15 ab 27.74 c Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 4 8 FB 0.10 c 1.15 ab 66.93 ab 28.34 bc Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 **Topguard 1.04 SC (7) FB 8 FB 0.08 c 0.80 a-e 61.08 b 30.61 a Topguard 1.04 SC (7) 10 FLSD (P = 0.05) 0.30 0.37 6.04 1.57 *Indicates that treatment included Induce at (0.125% v/v). ** plus Nimble 75% AW/W (0.6 oz). 1 Septoria leaf blotch was rated on ﬂag leaves on a scale of 0-10, where 0 = no disease, 5 = moderate disease intensity, and 10 = severe disease or all leaves showing premature senescence due to disease. 2 Data are averages of four replicated plots. Letters following means, when different, indicate signiﬁcant differences according to Fisher’s Protected Least Signiﬁcant Difference Test at P = 0.05. 3 Application stages: Feekes’ stage 8 = appearance of ﬂag leaf; stage 10 = sheath of ﬂag leaf completely grown out; ear swollen but not yet visible. 4 FB = followed by.