2-9 IAN Oz of Prevention

 Despite unprecedented opportunity, many corn growers are leaving profit on the table by not pushing their yields. A recent survey showed that farmers know more than ever about fungicide application timing and benefits, but many farmers are not adopting the available technology. Strong commodity prices mean corn growers have excellent profit potential if they can produce good yield, control costs and manage risk. But are growers taking full advantage of the opportunity? Not according to Leandra Grissom of the BASF Corporation: “A recent survey by BASF shows that 83 percent of corn growers agreed that preventative fungicide application is necessary because once disease is present, yield is already lost.” However, 57 percent of those surveyed who used a fungicide in 2011 said they make their fungicide application decision in-season, based on weather and/or disease pressure. By definition, a preventative fungicide application involves applying a fungicide product to a crop before any disease incidence has been spotted. Research shows growers who take the necessary steps to prevent their crop from troubling diseases benefit at the end of the season. Preventative fungicide applications protect crops from diseases by stopping infections before they begin. Disease pressure can account for yield loss of up to 50 percent, depending on the severity of disease incidence.”