University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Does agronomic management affect an at-planting fungicide application on corn?

Leskanich, Samuel Jacob

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LESKANICH-THESIS-2023.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120177

Description

Title
Does agronomic management affect an at-planting fungicide application on corn?
Author(s)
Leskanich, Samuel Jacob
Issue Date
2023-05-05
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Below, Frederick E
Committee Member(s)
  • Mulvaney, Richard L
  • Riechers, Dean E
Department of Study
Crop Sciences
Discipline
Crop Sciences
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
  • Management
  • Hybrid
  • Flutriafol
Abstract
Leaf diseases can cause substantial yield reductions in maize (Zea mays L.), and the traditional control approach is to apply foliar fungicides in response to the presence of disease symptoms. An alternative proactive approach may be an at-planting triazole fungicide, flutriafol (Xyway LFR), that purportedly provides upward systemic and season-long preventative protection against leaf diseases. Anecdotal observations also suggest improved root growth and better plant health from at-planting Xyway application independent of its activity as a fungicide, which may make Xyway more effective when used with certain hybrids or as part of intensively-managed agronomic systems. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of Xyway applied at-planting through responses of corn growth and yield, and to test its interactions with differing crop management systems and hybrids known to differ in their rooting characteristics. Two hybrids differing in root mass were grown with standard and intensive agronomic management both with and without in-furrow (IF) Xyway in 2021, and in 2022 a 2x0 treatment was added. The hybrids included G13Z50 characterized as large-rooted (defensive) and G10L16 characterized as smaller-rooted (offensive). Standard management consisted of 160 lbs acre-1 of N applied pre-plant and incorporated into the soil, and no other mineral nutrient applications based on adequate soil test levels, with a final stand of 34,000 plants acre 1. Alternatively, intensive management received 24 lbs acre 1 N, 80 lbs acre-1 P2O5, and 60 lbs acre 1 K2O banded 4-6 inches deep directly under the future crop row, 160 lbs N acre-1 pre-plant broadcast and incorporated plus 60 lbs N acre-1 V6 sidedress y-drop (244 lbs N acre-1 total), and a final stand of 40,000 plants acre 1. Xyway applications placed IF reduced the rate and uniformity of seedling emergence along with V7 NDVI biomass estimates in both management systems, for both hybrids, and in both years, causing more barren plants. However, IF-placed Xyway increased SPAD leaf greenness values at R3, indicative of stay-green or extended leaf area duration. Root weight and relative root area were increased in 2022 by either Xyway applications or by the intensive management system, but not by their combination. When grown under standard management, the offensive hybrid’s relative root area was enhanced by both Xyway applications, while the rooting of the defensive hybrid was only increased by IF applications. Grain yield was unaffected by Xyway application regardless of management system or hybrid, suggesting that late-season greener leaves mitigated the early-season drawback of delayed emergence induced by IF Xyway application. In 2022, dry weather limited the incidence and severity of diseases, resulting in no yield gain from the IF or the 2x0 Xyway applications. Intensive management increased yield for both hybrids, but the offensive hybrid yielded more than the defensive hybrid. The intensive management system also increased grain protein concentration, plant stover biomass, and total nutrient uptake of N, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Fe, and Cu. The effect of Xyway applications on nutrient uptake varied between the two hybrids, particularly for Zn, Mn, and Fe. While the total uptake of these nutrients increased in the defensive hybrid when supplied with the IF Xyway application, these nutrient increases were not observed in the offensive hybrid. Therefore, while dry conditions or the IF Xyway placement were not conducive to increased yield due to low disease pressure in 2022 or emergence problems, Xyway applications markedly affected root growth and nutrient uptake when grown in certain management systems or with certain hybrids.
Graduation Semester
2023-05
Type of Resource
Thesis
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120177
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2023 Samuel Leskanich

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