Effect of Nozzle Configuration and Ground Sprayer Speed on Fusarium Head Blight Management in Wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum in the United States, is the most important disease of wheat in Kentucky and the surrounding region. In addition to reduced grain yields, grain quality also can be affected due to reduced test weights and contamination of harvested grain by associated mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Although application of a foliar fungicide during the beginning anthesis growth stage is one of the primary practices used to manage FHB and DON, a major limiting factor in achieving greater efficacy has been fungicide coverage of wheat heads. This research evaluated different nozzle configurations and ground sprayer speeds for their effect on coverage of simulated wheat heads and management of FHB and DON in field trials conducted in 2017 to 2019 at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton, KY. Based on the results from this research, only minor differences in simulated wheat head coverage were observed across nozzle configurations and sprayer speeds. Depending on the nozzle configuration being used, applicators may need to adjust their sprayer speed to achieve maximum control of FHB.

Automated summary

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum, is a major disease affecting wheat in Kentucky. It reduces grain yields and quality, including test weights and mycotoxin contamination. This study found that nozzle configurations and sprayer speeds had only minor effects on the coverage of simulated wheat heads and FHB management. Adjusting sprayer speed may be necessary for maximum FHB control depending on the nozzle configuration used.