An evaluation of single and two sequential fungicide applications during flowering for Fusarium head blight management in winter wheat in Kansas

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, remains a devastating disease of wheat. In this study, experiments were conducted across six location-years to evaluate the efficacy of sequential fungicide applications during the flowering period for FHB control, yield, DON reduction, and profitability in hard red winter wheat. The sequential treatments consisted of an application of Miravis Ace (Propiconazole + Pydiflumetofen) at Feekes 10.5.1 followed four days later by an application of either Prosaro Pro (Prothioconazole + Fluopyram + Tebuconazole), Sphaerex (Prothioconazole + Metconazole), or TebuStar (Tebuconazole). The sequential treatments were compared to single applications of Prosaro 421 SC (Prothioconazole + Tebuconazole), Sphaerex, Prosaro Pro and Miravis Ace at Feekes 10.5.1. A covariance analysis was used to evaluate the influence of FHB index (%) in the non-treated check on yield, DON, and net profit provided by the fungicide treatments. When FHB index was low (10%), there were no significant yield or DON improvements. At higher FHB index levels of 30% and 40%, all fungicide treatments resulted in improved DON as well as improved yield relative to the non-treated check. Treatments including an application of Miravis Ace resulted in higher net profit and yields compared to the other treatments evaluated. The sequential fungicide application programs did not result in a significant yield benefit over a single application of Miravis Ace alone at any level of FHB index. The results of this study underscore the importance of a single, well-timed application of Miravis Ace for FHB management in Kansas.

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