Introduction    Interactive Graph

Introduction

Fungicides are commonly applied to wheat for disease management wherever wheat is grown. In a situation where disease is present in the crop, the variety is susceptible and weather conditions are favorable for disease development, this management practice can result in significant economic benefits. When disease is not present, fungicides can be applied but the economics of this application decision can be difficult to predict. This tool is intended to assist growers in making a decision about whether to apply fungicide to dryland wheat in Montana.

Growers can select several variables including the yield gain they expect from a fungicide application; the application cost; and the amount of drive down they expect given their sprayer length, tire width, and yield potential. When these parameters are adjusted, the line on the graph above will turn red if the net gain has a negative economic benefit, and green if the economic benefit is positive given the expected selling price of wheat on the x-axis.

Feedback about this tool can be sent to Dr. Mary Burrows, [email protected]; Montana State University, Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, 119 Plant BioScience Building, Bozeman, MT 59717-3150; 406-994-7766.  More information about fungicides and fungal diseases can be found in the Fungicide Use in Field Crops Montguide.

Dr. Kate Binzen Fuller, Montana State University Extension Agricultural Economics Specialist and Dr. Andrew Friskop, North Dakota State University Plant Pathologist, contributed significantly to this product.