In 2011, University of Kentucky set up 3 commercial-scale, on-farm fungicide tests in fields of yellow and white corn in West Kentucky. A single fungicide application resulted in 20+ bushel yield increases in 2 of the 3 tests.

For wheat growers, it's a truism: Plant varieties that are resistant to prevalent diseases. But what if the wheat plant has to pay a price for resistance, possibly reducing its yield? Is the resistance worth it?

Fungicide seed treatments may help with wheat stand establishment in certain situations.

While Goss's wilt wasn't a significant problem in 2012, more intense storm systems this year could cause it to emerge as a problem for corn growers as the disease continues its movement eastward from the Great Plains. This disease can overwinter in the soil and crop debris for a few years, so if growers have had a problem before, it could be an issue again this year,says Scott Heuchelin, DuPont Pioneer research scientist, plant pathology.

Field history and weather patterns are important in determining how to best manage crop diseases, says a Purdue University plant pathologist.