IR cube associated with fungicides increases resistance of corn plants to diseases

IR Cube proves to be a strong ally in the nutrition and resistance of corn plants. Associated with conventional fungicides, the product helped in the management of white spot with an increase in productivity of 11,7 bags per hectare compared to the standard treatment.

O IR cube associated with conventional fungicides increased the effectiveness of white spot control by 14,6% and increased productivity at 11,7 bags per hectare, in relation to the standard treatment. The technological race for greater productivity associated with sustainable development has been intensified in recent years, especially in the development of hybrids of high quality and yield. IR Cube is a cutting-edge product with disruptive technology that meets the needs of the field, as it goes beyond simple plant nutrition. The white spot, which has the bacteria Pantoea ananatis as the main etiological agent, in addition to associated fungal species, such as Phaeosphaeria maydis, is a disease that has been causing reductions in corn productivity, reaching up to 60%. The corn safrinha, or 2nd harvest, takes place in summer|autumn, a period in which temperatures begin to drop, there is an increase in air humidity and decreased hours of sunlight. All of these factors contribute to greater wetting of the plant, promoting foliar diseases, especially white spot. The basis of chemical management of this disease is an application in the last tractor inlet (V6-V8), to protect the lower leaves and another in pre-tasseling in order to guarantee control on the upper leaves and, depending on the material, a third application may be necessary after flourishing.

Because of productivity losses caused by the disease, combined with the low effectiveness of main chemical groups of fungicides currently used, has grown In recent years, interest in alternative management methods has increased. In view of this scenario, Spraytec developed IR Cube which, at low doses, provides nutrients with high solubility, absorption and translocation, in addition to presenting excellent synergy and physical-chemical compatibility with agricultural pesticides. AND a very stable, high-tech and biodegradable formulation that acts on physiological processes of plants, with positive impacts on resistance and crop productivity.

One differential characteristic of the product is related to the increase in natural resistance of plants to biotic factors. In response to the application of IR cube, defense mechanisms are activated, inducing the plant to synthesize high concentrations of secondary metabolites, which act as barriers physical and chemical, hindering the entry and development of pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria. Another aspect of great agronomic relevance for The use of the IR Cube is its action as a chemical mediator in the mechanisms natural defenses, related to the induction of resistance. From the moment When these mechanisms have been activated, other components of the product enter on stage, forming part of the composition of enzymes and proteins that will act in the defense against the disease-causing agent. The components present in the IR Cube they act by increasing the speed of the defense reaction and at the same time make the more efficient process and with less energy expenditure, being an important activator of plants' natural defense mechanisms. The use of hybrids of high genetic potential associated with sustainable development requires innovative products such as the IR Cube.

Goal

Evaluate the response of the corn crop to the Cubo IR nutritional complex in association with conventional fungicides in the management of white spot (Pantoea ananatis e Phaeosphaeria maydis).

Material and methods

The test was conducted at Fazenda São Clemente, in the municipality of Atalaia, Paraná, in 2021, 2nd harvest, with the hybrid P1225VYHR. The experimental design used was that of randomized blocks, with four repetitions. The treatments consisted of Control (no application), Producer Standard (three fungicide applications) and Producer Standard + Spraytec (three fungicide applications associated with Cubo IR 0,30L/ha). Applications were carried out when the culture was in the stages V8, VT and R2, respectively. The volume of spray used was 150L/ha. They were evaluations of the product's effectiveness on the disease and the yield of culture.

Results

The association of Cubo IR to fungicides was effective in managing white spot, increasing the control by 14,6%, in relation to the standard (Figure 1). The Area Below the Curve Disease Progression (AACPD) in the control was 347,8 (0% control), for the standard treatment was 98,6 (75,8% control) and for the standard associated with IR cube of 23,5 (90,4% control). The increase in the control effectiveness of white spot is extremely important so that there is no loss of potential corn productivity. In this context, in relation to productivity, the harvest in witness was 127,2, in the standard 146,6 and in the standard plus Cubo IR 158,3 bags per hectare. For the same treatments, the mass of a thousand grains was 332,1; 338,7 and 345,6 grams, respectively. Cubo IR’s association with fungicides promoted an average increase in productivity of 11,7 bags per hectare in relation to the standard treatment (Figure 2). Cubo IR's association with Conventional fungicides have proven to be an effective tool to ensure better management of white spot, and consequently, promote greater corn crop productivity.

Conclusion

The IR Cube, In addition to nourishing plants to maximize their productive potential, it is a promising alternative in the management of corn white spot by inducing natural defense mechanisms of plants, presenting high synergism with conventional fungicides.