Foliar applications of Quadris for Rhizoctonia control in sugarbeets

Best timing for foliar applications of Quadris for Rhizoctonia control in sugarbeets depends on growth stage, soil moisture and temperature, and weather.

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Steven Poindexter, Michigan State University Extension

Research over the last 10 years by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Sugar Company has shown that Rhizoctonia can be effectively controlled with proper placement and timing of Quadris fungicide. Growers who are planting Rhizoctonia-susceptible varieties, including many of the nematode-tolerant varieties, should consider at least one or possibly two applications of fungicide. In-furrow applications have proven very effective and should give good control. To increase disease control, a second foliar application can be applied. This is very important in heavy disease areas.

Growers who are relying on a single foliar spray can increase efficacy by considering several factors. Quadris applications are most effective when applied before plant infections occur. Ideal infection periods occur when average daily soil temperature at the 4-inch depth is 65 degrees or warmer. Soil moisture is also important as wet soils will increase infections while dry soils will have less. Timing of applications just before rainfall has been very effective.

Plant leaf stage can also be a predictor of application timing. Research conducted by the Sugarbeet Advancement indicates applications of Quadris at the six to eight leaf stage has often provided best Rhizoctonia control. Earlier (two to four leaf) and later applications (eight to 10 leaf) may result in reduced control, depending on soil conditions and infection periods. Be sure to count leaf stage on sugarbeets correctly; do not include the cotyledon leaves, or the first leaves when beets emerge, when staging beets. Growers are often applying fungicides at the four to six leaf stage rather than six to eight due to counting the cotyledon leaves. Sugarbeet leaves always grow in pairs; remove two leaf pairs at a time. Current research suggest the best timed application would be six to eight leaf beets, increasing 4-inch soil temperatures above 65 degrees, moist soil or rain predicted.

All foliar applications of Quadris should be applied in a 7-inch band or less since the fungicide applied to the crown of the beet is most important. Apply at least the full rate recommended for your row width – 10.5 ounces per acre for 30-inch rows, and 14.25 ounces per acre for 22-inch rows. Reduced rates have been shown to reduce control. Broadcast applications at the same rate are not as effective as banded application. Be careful not to mix Quadris with oil-based products and adjuvants as leaf injury can occur. Manganese, Boron and some insecticides that are non-oil based can be mixed and safely applied to sugarbeets.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.cnchemicals.com/. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://www.cnchemicals.com/, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).