Special Report

Fungicides important tool for farmers

Fungicides have become a more important tool for farmers in recent years. Randy Myers, Fungicide Product Manager for Bayer CropScience tells Brownfield that the newer chemistries are curative in nature and can make a significant difference in crop health and yield. Fungicides, explains Myers, protect the investment a farmer makes in growing a crop.

Although most farmers consider the role of the fungicide to protect against disease, Myers tells Brownfield components in the majority of fungicides used on corn can cause cascade reactions in the plant that make it healthier and better able to handle stress.

Looking ahead to the 2013 growing season, when growers are making a post-emerge herbicide application early in the season Randy Myers suggests putting a fungicide in the tank since the farmer is going across the field anyway. At that timing, you keep the plant cleaner longer, making for a stronger stalk.

Conversation with Randy Myers 02272013