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New for 2009! Hot Topic Session

The Use Of Fungicides to Promote Plant Physiological Benefits in Crops

Wednesday, August 5, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Organizer/Moderator: James P. Mueller, Dow AgroSciences, Brentwood, CA, U.S.A.
Sponsoring Committees: Public Policy Board; Office of Industry Relations

Strobilurin fungicides are registered in maize and soybeans, for yield enhancement in the absence of significant foliar diseases. Large scale commercial testing across multiple locations provides evidence of yield benefits. Smaller scale, replicated field trials intended to document these effects have been inconclusive. Yield responses are attributed to the cumulative effect of managing multiple secondary pathogens, and to direct effects on plant metabolism such as changes in photosynthetic efficiency and transpiration rate. Some researchers have expressed concern about potential unintended consequences such as selection for fungicide resistant pathogens or suppression of beneficial fungi. This session will review the data and provide a balanced discussion representing both sides of the topic.

8:30 a.m.

Introduction: Plant metabolic effects of fungicides and insecticides. JAMES MUELLER (1). Dow AgroSciences, Brentwood, CA, U.S.A.

8:35 a.m.

Plant physiological responses to strobilurin fungicides. ERIC TEDFORD (1). Syngenta Crop Protection, Greensboro, NC, U.S.A.

8:55 a.m.

Overview of small scale field testing results. PAUL VINCELLI (1). University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, U.S.A.

9:15 a.m.

Large scale field trials and statistical considerations. PAUL ESKER, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, U.S.A.

9:35 a.m.

Pyraclostrobin: Effect on plant physiological processes and benefit analysis. NICK FASSLER (1). BASF, Research Park Triangle, NC, U.S.A.

10:00 a.m.

Break

10:15 a.m.  

Open forum discussion