Lexington, KY 40546

Online at: www.uky.edu/KPN

Number 1332
CORN -Timing Fungicide Sprays in Corn WHEAT - Impact of Cool Temperatures on Wheat Herbicides

March 26, 2013

SHADE TREES AND ORNAMENTALS Emerald Ash Borer Management for Homeowners INSECT TRAP COUNTS

CORN Timing Fungicide Sprays in Corn By Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologist Application of strobilurin fungicides to foliage has been shown to improve agronomic performance in some situations. Yield increases and other agronomic benefits may result from disease control and/or from physiological effects induced by the active ingredient. Regarding fungicides, the first question a producer decides is whether or not to apply a product. If s/he decides to apply one, then the next question is, When do I apply it? In university tests over several years, it is common to see much more benefit to application made at VT-R2, then early in the season. See results from last year (Fig. 1), as an example. Last years results also show no economic benefit to two applications vs. one, which again is pretty typical of university results generally. There may be exceptions to these trends, but that is what they are: exceptions to the more general trends.
Figure 1. Results of timing studies for corn fungicides at various universities. (343 observations over 10 states, compiled by Kiersten Wise, Purdue University)

I have also heard of fields receiving three and four applications of strobilurin fungicides in commercial fields (not necessarily in Kentucky). Since two applications do not consistently provide measurable benefit over and above that provided by one application, I am curious whether multiple applications really are beneficial. Plus, strobilurin products have label restrictions on the number of permissible sequential applications without using a fungicidal product not in Group 11. Bottom line: If using a corn fungicide, university research continues to highlight that one application made at VT/R1 is the optimal use.

WHEAT Impact of Cool Temperatures on Wheat Herbicides By Jim Martin, Extension Weed Scientist

The following are some tips to consider as we progress through the next few days, Harmony and Harmony Extra are examples of ALS- inhibitor herbicides that can injure wheat in cool wet soil conditions. Injury may also occur if wide fluctuations of day and nighttime temperatures occur prior to, or soon after, application It is not clear to what extent, if any, the injury observed for Harmony and Harmony Extra impacts wheat yield. The labels of these products recommend adding 2,4-D as a tank mix partner to limit the risk of injuring wheat from the ALS-inhibitor herbicides. It is important to recognize the safest time to use 2,4-D in wheat is when plants are fully tillered and prior to jointing. Some growers may be tempted to include Clarity, Banvel, or other products that contain dicamba as a tankmix partner with other herbicides to enhance control of certain broadleaf weeds. Avoid using dicamba once wheat begins to joint in order to limit the risk of injuring wheat. When controlling wild garlic with Harmony, Harmony Extra, or similar generic products, allow time for plants to develop 2 to 4 inches of actively growing tissue. The new growth emerges from the base of the plants and not from the old leaves that have tip burn from cold temperatures.

Figure 2. Field of wheat with snow on March 26, 2013

The cool temperatures we experienced this spring caused some wheat growers to delay herbicide applications in anticipation of better weather. Stress conditions such as cool temps tend to limit physiological process in plants; therefore, slowing the response of weeds to the herbicide. The desired level of control may eventually be achieved; however, in some instances the slower activity may allow time for some weeds to recover. The slower activity caused by environmental stress, such as cool temperatures, may also limit wheats ability to metabolize herbicides, thus resulting in injury. The immediate forecast doesnt look favorable which prompts growers to ask Do I spray or wait for better weather? The logical choice would be to wait for improved conditions if the size and number of weeds are small. However, if the size or number of weeds dictates to spray, consider an herbicide option that has the greatest margin of safety and is effective on the weeds that are present. Cool temperatures may have less of an impact on controlling weeds that are highly susceptible than those that are marginally susceptible.

SHADE TREES AND ORNAMENTALS Emerald Ash Borer Management for Homeowners By Lee Townsend, Entomologist Healthy ash trees are an asset to the landscape. However, if you live in the emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine zone or in a county adjacent to it, your trees are at significant risk (Figure 3). Impacts of this insect will become increasingly apparent this year. This EAB decision guide provides a logical process for developing a plan for your ash trees: http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/EAB/pdf/NABB _DecisionGuide.pdf.

Drench treatments should be applied between now and early May; trunk sprays or injections are made later in the spring. Imidacloprid treatments need to be repeated annually until threat of infestation subsides significantly. This will probably be in the range of 7 to 10 years after EAB mortality becomes significant.

Figure 3. Counties colored in light and dark green are the quarantine zone. Counties in light green do not have confirmed infestations but the insect is likely to be present.

2013 Insect Trap Counts

March 15 22

Homeowners who want to protect their ash trees themselves can use a soil drench with a systemic insecticide containing the active ingredient imidacloprid. It is available under a variety of brand names, which usually include the words 12month tree and shrub insect control on the label. Most brands contain 1.47% imidacloprid but at least one contains 2.94% active ingredient. The use rate for the 1.47% concentration is 1 fl oz per inch of circumference; the rate for the 2.94% product is 0.5 fl oz per inch of circumference. This approach can protect ash trees up to 20 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). An approximate DBH can be calculated by determining the circumference of the tree measured at 4.5 ft above the ground level and dividing the value by 3. For example, a 60-inch circumference tree has a DBH of about 20 inches. Trees with a DBH greater than 20 inches are too large to be protected by a drench. Commercial applicators certified in Turf and Ornamental Pest Control have equipment an products that can protect large trees. Concentrates with higher percentages of active ingredient are more economical if many trees need to be treated. However, it is important to read the label carefully because the higher concentration of active ingredient means less of the formulation is used. Also, be sure to understand the treatment rate. For example, Optral insecticide contains 21.4% imidacloprid; the use rate is 0.1 to 0.4 fl oz (3 to 12 milliliters) per inch of trunk diameter, not circumference. A tree gets the same amount of active ingredient regardless of the product used when the label directions are followed.

Location

Princeton, KY Black cutworm 0 Armyworm 0

Lexington, KY 0 0

Graphs of insect trap counts for the 2013 season will available soon on the IPM web site at http://www.uky.edu/Ag/IPM/ipm.htm.

Note: Trade names are used to simplify the information presented in this newsletter. No endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products that are not named.