Planning for Plant Health in Corn

In any given year, we may face various challenges, but ultimately, we strive to emerge successful. Consider a scenario where recent rains have breathed new life into the corn crop, and as early fields start tasseling, you might wonder, "What's the optimal time to apply a fungicide such as Veltyma® fungicide or Headline® AMP fungicide?"

Photo by BASF Staff

Veltyma fungicide's long-lasting residual paired with BASF-exclusive Plant Health, gives growers a wider window of application. In Kansas, this window begins with “first tassel – no hassle” timing and lasts up to the R3 growth stage.

Traditionally, we recommend applying Headline AMP fungicide between VT, also known as "full tassel", to R2, also known as "blister stage". The photos above and below from Mississippi State University show VT and R1, respectively. The final photo from Purdue University depicts R2.

Photo by BASF Staff

I often hear folks say they treat at "brown silk". Silking, or R1, (shown in the image above) is a growth stage while, "brown silk" is not. Corn silks turn brown when they have been successfully pollinated; however, once they turn brown they remain brown in color.Generally, silks are mostly brown at the beginning of R2 or 10 to 14 days after silking begins (shown in the image below). Treating at the first sight of browned silks could put you in the optimum fungicide application window; however, waiting for crunchy brown silks that are visible from the highway may make you are late to the game. If you are unsure what stage your crop is in, the best method of reproductive stage determination is to check ear development.

Photo by BASF Staff

A question that often comes up is "When is the best time to apply a fungicide if my field has variable stands or is in variable growth stages?" Here are two approaches to applying fungicide to a field in varying growth stages:

1) Apply Veltyma fungicide or Headline AMP fungicide when the majority of the field is at VT. If the remainder of the field is still in vegetative stages, do not use an adjuvant with the application or verify that your adjuvant is NPE-free.

Photo Caption: Summary of 17 BASF or partially/fully sponsored University or Consultant small-plot replicated trials. 2017-2019. GA, MS, 2-KY, 2-IA, WI, 2-NE, AL, 2IL, 2-MO, 2-NC, TN. Trivapro 13.7 fl ox/A applied at VT-R1. Veltyma fungicide 7 fl ox/A applied at V10-V12, VT-R1 or R2-R3

Always read and follow label directions. Trivapro is a registered trademark of Syngenta. Veltyma is a trademark of BASF ®2019BASF. All Rights Reserved

Photo by BASF Staff

2) Another approach would be to apply Veltyma fungicide or Headline AMP fungicide when all of the field has reached VT but not exceeded R2. An adjuvant may be used in this application. If risk of disease is high, the first option may provide better disease control.

In the Kansas area Veltyma fungicide at 7 fl oz per acre or Headline AMP fungicide at 10 to14.4 fl oz per acre may be applied. However, please check with your BASF representative for an appropriate application rate for your field. And, as always, please read and follow label directions.

Anytime there is warm and humid conditions persisting, be prepared for a potential surge in diseases!

Always read and follow label directions. Trivapro is a registered trademark of Syngenta. Veltyma and Headline AMP are registered trademarks of BASF. Copyright 2023 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved.