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Headline® Fungicide Plant Health Research Summary

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Headline ® <strong>Fungicide</strong><br />

<strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong><br />

<strong>Research</strong> <strong>Summary</strong>


SUMMARY<br />

Headline ® fungicide improves <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong> through inhibition of mitochondrial<br />

respiration in both fungal diseases and plants.<br />

In fungi, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration prevents the breakdown of<br />

carbon required for production of energy to fuel fungal growth. This results in<br />

death of the fungi.<br />

In plants, the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration causes a cascade of positive<br />

events that can result in improved tolerance to stresses and increased efficiency<br />

of plant physiological processes. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by<br />

Headline results in:<br />

• Less CO 2 lost by the plant resulting in more carbon available for plant<br />

growth and yield.<br />

• Increased activity of nitrate reductase, the enzyme that is important for<br />

making a form of nitrogen that can be used by plants. This results in<br />

more nitrogen available for plant growth and yield.<br />

– The activation of nitrate reductase increases levels of nitric oxide.<br />

Nitric oxide triggers plant defense mechanisms. <strong>Plant</strong> defense<br />

mechanisms are important not only in defending against fungal<br />

diseases, but also bacterial and viral diseases.<br />

– Nitric oxide inhibits enzymes involved in the production of ethylene,<br />

a plant hormone produced in response to stress. Ethylene can cause<br />

a plant to drop energy containing leaves, to mature earlier than<br />

normal, and abort flowers, seed and/or pods in response to stress.<br />

• Increased activity of enzymes like superoxide dismutase and peroxidases<br />

that remove harmful activated oxygen species. This can result in<br />

reduced oxidative stress in response to environmental disorders, such<br />

as physiological leaf spot, ozone damage, cold stress, and heat stress.<br />

Headline improves <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong>, not just through superb, broad spectrum control<br />

of fungal diseases, but also through improved tolerance to stress and increased<br />

efficiency of plant processes. This enables plants to better withstand disease and<br />

a multitude of environmental stresses resulting in improved crop harvestability,<br />

quality and yield.<br />

i


HEADLINE ® FUNGICIDE DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT HEALTH<br />

Yield<br />

Seed Quality • <strong>Health</strong>ier <strong>Plant</strong>s • Stalk Strength<br />

Growth<br />

Efficiency<br />

• Better use<br />

of nitrogen<br />

fertilizer<br />

• More efficient<br />

photosynthesis<br />

Disease<br />

Control<br />

• Excellent control<br />

of major foliar<br />

diseases<br />

• Increased tolerance<br />

to bacterial and<br />

viral infections<br />

Stress<br />

Tolerance<br />

• Drought<br />

• Hail<br />

• Ozone<br />

• Frost<br />

• Heat<br />

ii<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


INTRODUCTION<br />

When crops are able to put nearly all<br />

of their energy into growth and grain/<br />

seed fill, yield potential is maximized.<br />

To achieve this, crops must make the<br />

best use of inputs like carbon and<br />

nitrogen while limiting energy wasted<br />

on fending off stresses caused by<br />

weather, environment, diseases and<br />

other factors. Changing agronomic<br />

practices that create higher yield<br />

situations, like increased planting<br />

density, can also add stress to a crop.<br />

Newer hybrids, with added traits, have<br />

been bred for higher yields. Breeding<br />

for high yields can be at the expense of<br />

other traits that provide more tolerance<br />

to disease and stress. To maximize<br />

crop yields profitably, growers focus on<br />

controlling factors that they can impact<br />

to create an ideal environment for crop<br />

growth and yield. These factors include<br />

agronomic practices to reduce stress,<br />

improve crop growth, and manage<br />

pests and disease.<br />

TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

SUMMARY<br />

INTRODUCTION 1<br />

HEADLINE ® FUNGICIDE DISEASE CONTROL<br />

AND PLANT HEALTH 2<br />

HEADLINE IMPROVES CROP<br />

GROWTH EFFICIENCY 3<br />

Headline Improves Crop Utilization of Nitrogen 3<br />

Headline Improves Photosynthetic Efficiency 5<br />

DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT DEFENSE 7<br />

Headline Pre-treatment Activates <strong>Plant</strong> Defenses 7<br />

Headline Increases Tolerance to<br />

Bacterial and Viral Infections 9<br />

INCREASED TOLERANCE TO<br />

ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS 10<br />

Headline Improves Tolerance to Drought 10<br />

Headline Improves Tolerance to Hail 14<br />

Headline Improves Tolerance to Ozone 16<br />

Headline Improves Tolerance<br />

to Cold Temperatures and Frost 18<br />

i<br />

Headline Improves Tolerance to Heat 21<br />

HEADLINE IMPROVES PLANT HEALTH<br />

AND HARVESTABILITY 22<br />

1


HEADLINE ® FUNGICIDE DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT HEALTH<br />

Pyraclostrobin, the active ingredient in Headline, belongs to the strobilurin class of fungicides. In addition to excellent, broad spectrum<br />

disease control, research has shown that Headline also provides additional <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong> benefits. Headline controls foliar fungal diseases<br />

by inhibiting respiration in the fungal mitochondria. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of energy rich carbon compounds that the fungus<br />

needs to produce energy for growth. Headline also has activity on the plant mitochondria and reduces respiration in the plant. Since the<br />

plant’s primary source of energy comes from sunlight through photosynthesis, this decrease in respiration can have a positive effect on<br />

growth. Decrease in respiration allows the plant to keep more stored carbon compounds for growth and triggers a chain reaction of positive<br />

physiological changes in the plant. These positive physiological changes may include an increase in nitrate reductase activity, elevated levels<br />

of antioxidants and defense signaling compounds, and a decrease in the stress hormone ethylene. The combination of disease control,<br />

stress reduction and increased growth efficiency lead to the <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong> benefits of Headline described in this report (Figure 1).<br />

Figure 1: Headline Disease Control and <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong><br />

Reduces <strong>Plant</strong> Stress<br />

*<br />

Inhibits Electron Transport<br />

Reduces Stress<br />

Induced Ethylene<br />

Increases<br />

Antioxidative<br />

Capacity<br />

Activates <strong>Plant</strong><br />

Defense Responses †<br />

**<br />

Mitochondria<br />

Fungi<br />

<strong>Plant</strong>s<br />

Low Cellular<br />

ATP Levels<br />

Activates<br />

Nitrate<br />

Reductase<br />

Nitric Oxide<br />

(NO)<br />

Increases <strong>Plant</strong> Growth<br />

Increases Net<br />

Photosynthesis<br />

Nitrate<br />

Nitrite<br />

Increases<br />

Carbon &<br />

Nitrogen<br />

Assimilation<br />

* red lines indicate inhibition of pathway or process<br />

** blue arrows indicate activation of pathway or process<br />

† Increased tolerance to bacterial and viral infections<br />

Proposed model of <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong> benefits<br />

2<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


HEADLINE ® FUNGICIDE IMPROVES CROP GROWTH EFFICIENCY<br />

Today’s growers seek to maximize yields and profitability of their farming operation as production costs continue to rise. With these rising<br />

costs, growers want to know that when they invest money into inputs like nitrogen, the crop is able to make the best use of those inputs<br />

to achieve the highest yield potential. Laboratory and field research has demonstrated that Headline can improve nitrogen utilization<br />

in crops and can also improve photosynthetic efficiency. The result is that Headline treated crops may keep more carbon for growth,<br />

development, and yield potential.<br />

Headline Improves Crop<br />

Utilization of Nitrogen<br />

Figure 2: Improved Nitrate Reductase Activity<br />

and Photosynthetic Efficiency, Proposed Model<br />

Nitrate reductase is an enzyme in plants<br />

that is required to convert nitrate to nitrite<br />

so that it can be used by the plant for<br />

growth and development. The activity of<br />

Headline on plant mitochondria results in<br />

a reduction of respiration. This reduction in<br />

respiration activates the nitrate reductase<br />

enzyme. This activation results in more<br />

rapid conversion of nitrate into nitrite for<br />

the plant to use. Thus nitrogen utilization<br />

is improved and plant biomass can be<br />

increased to provide more photosynthesis<br />

and carbon for grain fill (Figure 2).<br />

Inhibits Electron Transport<br />

*<br />

**<br />

Mitochondria<br />

<strong>Plant</strong>s<br />

Increases <strong>Plant</strong> Growth<br />

Greenhouse and laboratory results<br />

A research study was conducted to<br />

determine the effect of Headline on<br />

the enzyme, nitrate reductase. Within<br />

a few hours after Headline application<br />

to wheat leaves, the activity of nitrate<br />

reductase increased by more than<br />

70%. The increased nitrate reductase<br />

activity was maintained for more than<br />

three nights after a single application of<br />

Headline (Graph 1a, next page).<br />

Low Cellular<br />

ATP Levels<br />

Increases Net<br />

Photosynthesis<br />

* red lines indicate inhibition of pathway or process<br />

** blue arrows indicate activation of pathway or process<br />

Activates<br />

Nitrate<br />

Reductase<br />

Nitrate<br />

Nitrite<br />

Increases<br />

Carbon &<br />

Nitrogen<br />

Assimilation<br />

Nitrate uptake in vivo increased<br />

approximately 40% seven days after<br />

Headline treatment. The increased nitrate<br />

reductase activity and nitrate uptake was<br />

followed by enhanced plant growth, with<br />

an increase in plant biomass of about<br />

20%, two weeks after the Headline<br />

application (Graph 1b, next page).<br />

3


Graph 1 a&b: Headline ® <strong>Fungicide</strong> Increased Nitrate Reductase Activity and Nitrate Uptake in Wheat Resulting in Increased <strong>Plant</strong> Growth<br />

a<br />

In vivo Nitrate Reductase Activity<br />

[mmol g-1 FW]<br />

40<br />

30<br />

20<br />

10<br />

0<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

Nitrate Reductase Activity<br />

1 2 3<br />

Nights After Application<br />

b<br />

% Increase Over Untreated<br />

80<br />

60<br />

40<br />

20<br />

0<br />

Nitrate Reductase Activity, Nitrate Uptake<br />

and Increased <strong>Plant</strong> Growth<br />

Increased Nitrate<br />

Reductase Activity<br />

Increased<br />

Nitrate<br />

Uptake<br />

Increased<br />

<strong>Plant</strong> Biomass<br />

(Fresh Weight)<br />

Köhle et al. 2002 in Modern <strong>Fungicide</strong>s and Antifungal Compounds III,<br />

Eds. Dehne, Gisi, Kuck, Russell and Lyr<br />

Nitrate reductase determined 14 hours after application; nitrate uptake measured 7 days<br />

after application; plant biomass, 9 days after application<br />

Field observations and research<br />

<strong>Research</strong> studies were conducted in corn and soybeans<br />

in Brazil to determine if Headline ® fungicide activates the<br />

nitrate reductase enzyme under field conditions. In corn, the<br />

active ingredient in Headline was compared to azoxystrobin.<br />

Azoxystrobin is the strobilurin active ingredient in Quilt ® and<br />

Quadris ® fungicides. Across all nitrogen rates, nitrate reductase<br />

activity increased on average by 477% one day after application<br />

of a product containing the same active ingredient in Headline<br />

(data not shown). At the highest nitrogen rate used, the product<br />

containing the active ingredient in Headline increased nitrate<br />

reductase activity by 20% more than azoxystrobin (Graph 2).<br />

In soybeans, the active ingredient in Headline was compared<br />

to azoxystrobin. Two applications of each product were made,<br />

and nitrate reductase activity was measured 8 days after the<br />

last treatment. The product containing the active ingredient in<br />

Headline increased nitrate reductase activity by 89% more than<br />

the untreated and 55% more than azoxystrobin (Graph 3).<br />

Graph 2: Headline Increased Nitrate Reductase<br />

Activity in Corn Greater Than a Competitive Strobilurin<br />

Graph 3: Headline Increased Nitrate Reductase<br />

Activity in Soybeans Greater Than a Competitive Strobilurin<br />

100<br />

80<br />

Nitrate Reductase Activity<br />

200<br />

160<br />

Nitrate Reductase Activity<br />

% Activity<br />

60<br />

40<br />

% Activity<br />

120<br />

80<br />

20<br />

40<br />

0<br />

Control<br />

azoxystrobin*<br />

+ triazole<br />

Headline +<br />

triazole<br />

0<br />

Control<br />

azoxystrobin*<br />

+ triazole<br />

Headline +<br />

triazole<br />

Dr. Dourado Neto, ESALQ/USP, 2005, application to 8 leaf corn,<br />

measured 1 day after treatment<br />

* The strobilurin in Quilt<br />

Dr. Dourado Neto, ESALQ/USP, 2005, 2 applications, measured 8 days after treatment<br />

* The strobilurin in Quadris<br />

4<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


To determine the effect of Headline ® fungicide on corn<br />

growth and yield in the field, research trials were conducted<br />

by the University of Illinois under a low disease environment.<br />

Nitrogen rates ranged from 0 to 300 lbs/ac. At all nitrogen rates,<br />

Headline-treated corn out-yielded untreated corn, indicating<br />

that more grain was produced per unit of nitrogen (Graph 4). The<br />

result is potentially more efficient utilization of nitrogen.<br />

Headline Improves<br />

Photosynthetic Efficiency<br />

Increasing the efficiency of photosynthesis also allows a crop to<br />

make best use of available inputs. The activity of Headline on<br />

plant mitochondria reduces respiration in crops. This reduction<br />

in respiration reduces the amount of CO 2 given off when stored<br />

carbon compounds are broken down. Reducing the amount<br />

of CO 2 given off can mean more carbon remains available for<br />

growth, development, and eventually yield potential (Figure 3).<br />

Graph 4: Headline Increased Corn<br />

Yield Over Five Nitrogen Rates<br />

Grain Yield (bu/ac)<br />

180<br />

160<br />

140<br />

120<br />

100<br />

Headline<br />

Untreated<br />

0 50 100 150 200 250 300<br />

Rate of Applied Nitrogen (lb/ac)<br />

<strong>Research</strong> trials on field corn, Dr. Below, University of Illinois, 2005<br />

Figure 3: Reduction of Respiration/Increased Net Photosynthesis<br />

Sun (Energy)<br />

CO 2<br />

+ H 2<br />

0<br />

Photosynthesis<br />

Carbon<br />

Sugars<br />

(Stored Energy)<br />

Untreated<br />

Energy<br />

CO 2<br />

CO 2<br />

O 2<br />

Respiration<br />

Carbon<br />

Sugars<br />

(Stored Energy)<br />

O 2<br />

Keeps More Energy (Sugars) for <strong>Plant</strong> Growth<br />

5


Field Observations and <strong>Research</strong><br />

Field research studies were conducted in corn and soybeans<br />

in Brazil to determine the effect of Headline ® fungicide on<br />

plant photosynthetic efficiency and respiration. In corn, a single<br />

treatment of the same active ingredient in Headline was made<br />

to corn at the V8 growth stage. Three rates of nitrogen were<br />

used. In the treated corn, six days after application, respiration<br />

was significantly decreased by an average of 28% and net<br />

photosynthesis was significantly increased an average of 73%<br />

across all nitrogen levels (data not shown). A comparison to<br />

azoxystrobin was included in this trial. At the highest nitrogen<br />

rate used, the product containing the active ingredient in<br />

Headline decreased respiration by 25% and increased net<br />

photosynthesis by 58% more than azoxystrobin (Graphs<br />

5 a&b). For soybeans, two applications of the same active<br />

ingredient in Headline were made. Seven days after the second<br />

application, respiration was significantly decreased by 49%<br />

and net photosynthesis was significantly increased by 26%.<br />

A comparison to azoxystrobin was included in this trial. The<br />

product containing the active ingredient in Headline decreased<br />

respiration by 16% and increased net photosynthesis by 8%<br />

more than azoxystrobin (Graphs 5 c&d).<br />

Graph 5 a&b and c&d: Headline <strong>Fungicide</strong> Reduced Respiration<br />

and Increased Net Photosynthesis, Improving Stress Tolerance and Yield Potential<br />

a<br />

b<br />

Relative % Respiration, Corn<br />

% Net Photosynthesis, Corn<br />

100<br />

170<br />

90<br />

150<br />

80<br />

130<br />

70<br />

110<br />

60<br />

90<br />

50<br />

Control<br />

azoxystrobin*<br />

+ triazole<br />

Headline<br />

+ triazole<br />

70<br />

Control<br />

azoxystrobin*<br />

+ triazole<br />

Headline<br />

+ triazole<br />

Dr. Durval Dourado Neto, ESALQ/USP, application to 8 leaf corn; measured 6 days after treatment<br />

* The strobilurin in Quilt<br />

c<br />

d<br />

Relative % Respiration, Soybean<br />

% Net Photosynthesis, Soybean<br />

100<br />

90<br />

80<br />

70<br />

60<br />

50<br />

40<br />

30<br />

20<br />

10<br />

0<br />

Control<br />

azoxystrobin*<br />

+ triazole<br />

Headline<br />

+ triazole<br />

130<br />

110<br />

90<br />

70<br />

50<br />

30<br />

Control<br />

azoxystrobin*<br />

+ triazole<br />

Headline<br />

+ triazole<br />

Neto and Aizemberg ESALQ/USP; 7 days after 2nd application<br />

* The strobilurin in Quadris<br />

6<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT DEFENSE<br />

Disease control is important for maintaining maximum yield potential. Disease control is especially important with current agronomic<br />

practices like increased plant population and reduced tillage practices that often create conditions favorable for disease. A crop with a<br />

higher plant population per acre is more likely to have increased disease pressure, increased stress on each plant, and reduced stalk<br />

strength. Disease control maintains green leaf area and reduces the amount of energy used by the plant to fight the disease. Headline ®<br />

fungicide is widely recognized as a fungicide with excellent control of major foliar fungal diseases in a wide variety of plant species. The<br />

<strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong> benefits of Headline can also increase tolerance to bacterial and viral infections, another part of plant defense.<br />

Headline Pre-treatment Activates <strong>Plant</strong> Defenses<br />

Faster and/or improved defense responses by plants to pathogen<br />

attack reduce the impact of disease. Faster response helps<br />

reduce yield losses even when a crop can fight off the disease.<br />

Headline has been shown to activate plant defenses so that a<br />

crop is better prepared to defend itself when pathogen attack<br />

occurs. One way that plants respond to disease is by producing<br />

nitric oxide which triggers plants to defend against the disease.<br />

Headline promotes the production of nitric oxide by reducing<br />

respiration in the plant mitochondria. The reduction in respiration<br />

activates nitrate reductase enzyme, which in turn increases the<br />

amount of nitrite. Together, activated nitrate reductase and<br />

increased levels of nitrite produce nitric oxide (Figure 4).<br />

Figure 4: Activation of <strong>Plant</strong> Defense Responses, Proposed Model<br />

Inhibits Electron Transport<br />

*<br />

Activates <strong>Plant</strong><br />

Defense Responses †<br />

Mitochondria<br />

**<br />

Low Cellular<br />

ATP Levels<br />

* red lines indicate inhibition of pathway or process<br />

** blue arrows indicate activation of pathway or process<br />

† Increased tolerance to bacterial and viral infections<br />

Activates<br />

Nitrate<br />

Reductase<br />

Nitrate<br />

Nitrite<br />

Nitric Oxide<br />

(NO)<br />

7


Greenhouse and laboratory results<br />

The increased production of nitric oxide was shown in a research<br />

study by treating intact tobacco leaves and soybean cell suspension<br />

cultures with Headline ® fungicide. Headline treatment<br />

of soybean cells caused a Headline dependent production of<br />

nitric oxide which was greatest 5 hours after treatment and<br />

remained essentially unchanged for the next 19 hours (Graph 6a).<br />

Headline treatment of tobacco leaves caused an immediate<br />

emission of nitric oxide that could still be detected the fifth day<br />

after treatment (Graph 6b) (Headline is not registered for use on<br />

tobacco in the U.S.). The production of nitric oxide after application<br />

is an important step in the <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong> effects of Headline.<br />

The impact of increased nitric oxide production on plant disease<br />

was demonstrated in a wheat research study (Figure 5). Only the<br />

first leaf of a wheat seedling was treated with Headline in this<br />

study. The second leaf, though not treated, had a reduction in<br />

disease of 25%. Since Headline does not move out of one leaf<br />

into another, it was concluded that the Headline pre-treatment<br />

may have activated a plant defense signal that moved to the<br />

second leaf.<br />

Graph 6 a&b: Headline Induced Production of Nitric Oxide<br />

a<br />

Soybean Cell Suspension Cultures<br />

12<br />

10<br />

8<br />

6<br />

4<br />

2<br />

0<br />

0 2.5 5 8 24<br />

Time (h)<br />

b<br />

Tobacco Leaves<br />

5<br />

4<br />

3<br />

2<br />

1<br />

0<br />

Immediately After<br />

5 Days After<br />

Application<br />

Application<br />

Measurement Timing<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

Nitric Oxide (nmol/gFW/min)<br />

Nitric Oxide (nmol/min)<br />

<strong>Plant</strong> J. 2004 38:1015<br />

Figure 5: Headline Activated <strong>Plant</strong> Defense<br />

Against Pathogens to Protect Untreated Wheat Leaves<br />

SAR: Systemic Acquired Resistance<br />

Water<br />

Headline<br />

2nd Leaf<br />

1 st Leaf: Treated<br />

with Headline<br />

2 nd Leaf: 1 st Leaf<br />

Treatment Effect on<br />

Septoria tritici infection<br />

SAR<br />

41% 16%<br />

Infection (%)<br />

Prof. Walters, SAC, Edinburgh<br />

8<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


Headline ® <strong>Fungicide</strong> Increases Tolerance<br />

to Bacterial and Viral Infections<br />

Graph 7: Headline Activated <strong>Plant</strong><br />

Defense Against Viral and Bacterial Infection<br />

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is another type of plant<br />

defense response. One example of a SAR response is when a<br />

plant has been infected by one pathogen and then can respond<br />

faster to the same or different pathogen later. SAR is called<br />

systemic because even parts of the plant that were not originally<br />

infected are activated for defense. SAR plays an important role<br />

in reducing the impact of disease on a crop and helps protect<br />

yield potential. Many plants produce a pathogenesis-related (PR)<br />

protein to activate SAR. PR proteins can act like antimicrobial<br />

compounds. In tobacco, the major PR protein is PR-1. Buildup<br />

of PR-1 is part of the tobacco plant’s resistance to tobacco<br />

mosaic virus infection.<br />

Lesion Size (Pixels)<br />

300<br />

250<br />

200<br />

150<br />

100<br />

50<br />

Viral Infection Tobacco Mosaic Virus<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

Greenhouse and laboratory results<br />

To determine if Headline would activate plant defenses against<br />

viral diseases, tobacco was selected as a model crop due to<br />

its susceptibility to viruses. Generally, fungicides do not have<br />

activity on viral pathogens. In the studies, tobacco plants were<br />

pre-treated with Headline and then infected with tobacco mosaic<br />

virus. The viral lesion sizes in plants pre-treated with Headline<br />

were reduced by more than 50% (Graph 7, Figure 6). Headline<br />

pre-treatment did not directly cause the build-up of PR-1 protein.<br />

Instead, Headline activated the plant to more rapidly build-up the<br />

PR-1 protein (data not shown). Tobacco leaves pre-treated with<br />

Headline also had better resistance to bacterial infection (Graph 8).<br />

<strong>Plant</strong> Physiol. 2002. 130:120-127<br />

Graph 8: Headline Activated <strong>Plant</strong><br />

Defense Against Viral and Bacterial Infection<br />

Bacterial Population<br />

[x10 -6 cfu (leaf disc) -1 ]<br />

4<br />

3<br />

2<br />

1<br />

0<br />

Bacterial Infection Pseudomonas syringae<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

0 13 24 48<br />

Hours After Inoculation<br />

Figure 6: Headline Pretreatment Activated <strong>Plant</strong><br />

Defense Against Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)<br />

<strong>Plant</strong> Physiol. 2002. 130:120-127<br />

<strong>Health</strong>y <strong>Plant</strong><br />

– TMV<br />

Headline<br />

Pre-treatment<br />

+ TMV **<br />

Untreated<br />

+ TMV **<br />

BASF research results, Brazil<br />

** Inoculation 24 Hrs. after treatment<br />

9


INCREASED TOLERANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS<br />

A growing season is never perfect for the entire season. Even short periods of mild stress can reduce the yield potential of a crop.<br />

Reducing the impact of these stresses allows a crop to better maximize its yield potential. When a crop experiences stress, it produces<br />

several compounds in response. Two of these compounds are ethylene and activated oxygen species.<br />

Headline ® <strong>Fungicide</strong><br />

Improves Tolerance<br />

to Drought<br />

Ethylene is a hormone that plants produce<br />

in response to many stresses, including<br />

drought stress. <strong>Plant</strong>s also produce<br />

ethylene in response to injury, when plants<br />

mature, prior to leaf, flower, or pod loss,<br />

and before pathogen triggered cell death.<br />

Reducing the production of ethylene can<br />

limit the natural response to stress, which is<br />

to sacrifice important contributors to yield<br />

like leaves, flowers, or pods in an attempt<br />

to reduce the effects of stress on the plant.<br />

Nitric oxide inhibits the enzymes involved<br />

in the production of ethylene. The more<br />

nitric oxide, the less ethylene produced.<br />

Since nitric oxide levels in a plant are often<br />

increased after Headline application, the<br />

amount of ethylene in Headline treated<br />

plants is also reduced (Figure 7).<br />

Figure 7: Headline Reduces <strong>Plant</strong> Stress by Inhibiting Ethylene<br />

Production and Increasing Antioxidative Capacity, Proposed Model<br />

Inhibits Electron Transport<br />

*<br />

Mitochondria<br />

**<br />

Low Cellular<br />

ATP Levels<br />

* red lines indicate inhibition of pathway or process<br />

** blue arrows indicate activation of pathway or process<br />

Reduces Stress<br />

Induced Ethylene<br />

Nitrate<br />

Reduces <strong>Plant</strong> Stress<br />

Activates<br />

Nitrate<br />

Reductase<br />

Nitrite<br />

Nitric Oxide<br />

(NO)<br />

Increases<br />

Antioxidative<br />

Capacity<br />

10<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


Greenhouse and laboratory results<br />

To study ethylene reduction and improved tolerance to drought,<br />

young wheat plants were treated with Headline ® fungicide. After<br />

treatment, leaves were removed and allowed to wilt to simulate<br />

drought stress. The activity of one of the major enzymes,<br />

1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase,<br />

involved in production of ethylene was then measured. ACC<br />

synthase activity was decreased 61% by Headline compared to<br />

the control. The amount of ACC produced by the enzyme was<br />

reduced by about 31% compared to the control (Graphs 9 a&b).<br />

The inhibition of ethylene production by Headline was compared<br />

to other strobilurins. Forty-five hours after the stress started,<br />

Headline reduced ethylene production by 33% more than<br />

trifloxystrobin and by 67% more than azoxystrobin (Graph 10).<br />

Graph 9 a&b: Headline Inhibited ACC Synthase Activity<br />

a<br />

% of Control<br />

ACC Synthase Activity<br />

100<br />

80<br />

60<br />

40<br />

20<br />

0<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

b<br />

ACC Content<br />

Graph 10: Headline Inhibited the<br />

Production Ethylene in Wheat After Stress<br />

100<br />

80<br />

%Inhibition<br />

60%<br />

40%<br />

20%<br />

0%<br />

% of Control<br />

60<br />

40<br />

20<br />

0<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

-20%<br />

3 21 27 45<br />

Time After Stress Applied (h)<br />

Wheat plants treated with Headline, Köhle et al. 2002 in Modern <strong>Fungicide</strong>s and<br />

Antifungal Compounds III, Eds. Dehne, Gisi, Kuck, Russell and Lyr<br />

n azoxystrobin* n trifloxystrobin †<br />

n Headline<br />

BASF Global Ag <strong>Research</strong><br />

* Azoxystrobin – strobilurin in Quilt<br />

† Trifloxystrobin – strobilurin in Stratego<br />

11


When crops experience drought stress, leaves begin to senesce<br />

and die. This premature senescence is triggered by an increase in<br />

the production of ethylene. Losing green leaves means limiting a<br />

crop’s ability to carry out photosynthesis for maximum yield. Corn<br />

and soybeans were studied in the greenhouse to determine if an<br />

application of Headline ® fungicide reduced the negative impact<br />

of drought stress. <strong>Plant</strong>s were grown to the four leaf or trifoliate<br />

stage, treated with Headline, and then watering was stopped.<br />

Drought stress symptoms were rated on a 0-10 scale. In the soybean<br />

study, 13 days after watering was stopped, there was a 24%<br />

reduction in the effect of drought on plants treated with Headline<br />

compared to the untreated (Graph 11a, Photos 1 a&b). In the corn<br />

study, 10 days after watering was stopped, there was an 8%<br />

reduction in the effect of drought on plants treated with Headline<br />

compared to the untreated (Graph 11b). Greenhouse research<br />

studies were also conducted on wheat to determine the effect<br />

of Headline on water use efficiency. Water use efficiency is a<br />

measure of how much grain is produced with a known amount of<br />

water. Wheat treated with Headline required less water to produce<br />

a bushel of grain. As increasing drought stress was applied, wheat<br />

treated with Headline required increasingly less water than the<br />

control (Graph 12).<br />

Photo 1 a&b: Headline Improved<br />

Crop Tolerance to Drought Stress<br />

a<br />

b<br />

Graph 11 a&b: Headline Improved<br />

Crop Tolerance to Drought Stress<br />

a<br />

Drought Stress Rating (0-10)<br />

b<br />

Drought Stress Rating (0-10)<br />

10<br />

8<br />

6<br />

4<br />

2<br />

0<br />

10<br />

8<br />

6<br />

4<br />

2<br />

0<br />

Soybean – 13 Days Without Watering<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

Corn – 10 Days Without Watering<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

Soybean - statistically significant, p=0.05<br />

Corn - statistically significant, p=0.10<br />

BASF <strong>Research</strong> Trial<br />

Untreated<br />

Seven days without watering<br />

BASF <strong>Research</strong> Trial<br />

Headline<br />

Graph 12: Less Water Needed to Produce<br />

a Bushel of Grain With Headline Treatment<br />

600<br />

Transpiration Coefficient<br />

[kg water/kg grain yield]<br />

550<br />

500<br />

450<br />

400<br />

60% 30% Wilting<br />

Soil Moisture Content<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

BASF research results: wheat<br />

12<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


Field observations and research<br />

Field research studies on corn were conducted to determine if<br />

Headline ® fungicide reduced the impact of drought under field<br />

conditions. These studies were done with Headline and controlled<br />

irrigation at the BASF <strong>Research</strong> Station in Dinuba, California.<br />

This station was selected because little natural rainfall occurs<br />

there in the summer and disease pressure is low. Three different<br />

irrigation levels were used, optimum, 75% of optimum and 50%<br />

of optimum. Percent green leaf tissue and yield were measured<br />

to determine the health of the crop. Headline treated corn plants<br />

had improved leaf greenness and yield at all irrigation levels. In<br />

treatments that were subject to low to moderate drought stress,<br />

yield was increased by 20% (Graphs 13 a&b). With increased<br />

drought stress, Headline treated corn increasingly had better<br />

leaf greenness and yield over the untreated corn. These results<br />

indicate that Headline can improve photosynthetic capacity<br />

and yield by helping the plant to maintain healthy leaf tissue<br />

under drought stress.<br />

Graph 13 a&b: Headline Improved Corn Yield Under Drought Stress<br />

a<br />

90<br />

Corn Leaf <strong>Health</strong><br />

b<br />

240<br />

Yield<br />

220<br />

% Green Leaf Tissue<br />

85<br />

80<br />

75<br />

Yield (bu/ac)<br />

200<br />

180<br />

160<br />

140<br />

120<br />

70<br />

Optimum<br />

Irrigation<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

75%<br />

Irrigation<br />

50%<br />

Irrigation<br />

100<br />

Optimum<br />

Irrigation<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

75%<br />

Irrigation<br />

50%<br />

Irrigation<br />

Application made at VT, leaf health evaluated at R2, Dinuba, CA, 2007. No foliar disease present during trial.<br />

BASF <strong>Research</strong> Trial<br />

13


Headline ® <strong>Fungicide</strong> Improves Tolerance to Hail<br />

Hail is another stress that triggers the production of ethylene because of crop wounding.<br />

Hail can reduce yield potential by destroying green leaf tissue and making a way for certain<br />

pathogens to enter the plant. Headline applications reduce ethylene that signals crop stress<br />

and protect wounded crops from disease.<br />

Field observations and research<br />

In a simulated hail trial conducted in Ontario, Canada, Headline applications either 7 days before<br />

or 7 days after simulated hail stress in corn helped maintain green leaf tissue and increased yield<br />

(Graphs 14 a&b).<br />

Graph 14 a&b: Headline Improved <strong>Plant</strong> Tolerance to Hail Damage<br />

a<br />

90<br />

Corn Leaf <strong>Health</strong><br />

b<br />

170<br />

Yield<br />

% Green Leaf Tissue<br />

70<br />

50<br />

30<br />

10<br />

Yield (bu/ac)<br />

150<br />

130<br />

110<br />

90<br />

70<br />

50<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

No Hail 7 DBT 7 DAT<br />

30<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

No Hail 7 DBT 7 DAT<br />

Simulated hail damage, Headline applied at early tassel, London, Ontario, Canada, 2008<br />

BASF <strong>Research</strong> Trial<br />

Untreated<br />

Headline<br />

14<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


On-farm corn and cereal trials where hail events were reported<br />

also show that Headline ® fungicide helps protect the crop leaf<br />

tissue from disease after a hail event and keeps green leaf tissue<br />

to maximize yield potential (Graphs 15 and 16).<br />

Graph 15: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Hail Damage<br />

Graph 16: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Hail Damage<br />

% Yield of Untreated<br />

114<br />

112<br />

110<br />

108<br />

106<br />

104<br />

102<br />

100<br />

Hail Before<br />

Headline App.<br />

Corn On-farm Results<br />

Hail After<br />

Headline App.<br />

Hail Prior<br />

to V16<br />

Yield (bu/ac)<br />

132<br />

130<br />

128<br />

126<br />

124<br />

122<br />

120<br />

118<br />

Winter Wheat On-farm Results<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

Results from 2006 Headline Corn On-farm testing program (15 locations):<br />

Headline applied at or near VT<br />

Castleford, ID, 2008<br />

15


Headline ® <strong>Fungicide</strong><br />

Improves Tolerance to Ozone<br />

In addition to ethylene, activated oxygen species are produced<br />

when a crop experiences stress. The production of activated<br />

oxygen species causes oxidative stress in the plant. Oxidative<br />

stress occurs with stresses such as drought, desiccation,<br />

flooding, freezing, chilling, ice encasement and ozone. Improved<br />

tolerance to these environmental stresses occurs when a crop<br />

can reduce the activated oxygen species. A number of enzymes<br />

are involved in reducing activated oxygen species, including<br />

superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalases, and peroxidases.<br />

Graph 17 a&b: Headline Reduced Physiological<br />

Leaf Spot (PLS) Symptoms in Barley<br />

a<br />

PLS (% Leaf Area)<br />

140<br />

120<br />

100<br />

80<br />

60<br />

40<br />

20<br />

Field observations and research<br />

Oxidative stress is involved in the formation of Physiological<br />

Leaf Spot (PLS). PLS is a disorder that is noted by necrotic<br />

spotting or areas of dead cells in leaves. PLS is an environmental<br />

disorder and is not caused by a fungal, bacterial, or<br />

viral infection. The effect of the active ingredient in Headline on<br />

PLS has been studied in a barley field research trial. Treatment<br />

prevented development of PLS symptoms by about 80% in one<br />

variety and about 55% in another (Graphs 17 a&b). In another<br />

trial, application of a product containing the same active ingredient<br />

in Headline significantly protected barley by more than 90%<br />

from oxidative stress injury due to ozone treatment (Graph 18).<br />

This tolerance to ozone damage has also been demonstrated on<br />

corn (Photo 2).<br />

0<br />

Control Headline +<br />

triazole<br />

n Gunda n Anthere<br />

Feekes 9<br />

b<br />

Yield (bu/ac)<br />

140<br />

120<br />

100<br />

80<br />

60<br />

40<br />

20<br />

Headline +<br />

triazole<br />

Feekes 10.1<br />

Photo 2: Headline Improved Tolerance to Ozone Damage<br />

+23 bu/ac<br />

0<br />

Control Headline +<br />

triazole<br />

Feekes 9<br />

n Gunda n Anthere<br />

Headline +<br />

triazole<br />

Feekes 10.1<br />

Barley under field conditions, ratings made at Feekes 11.1,<br />

Jabs et al., BCPC Conference Pests and Disease, 2002, Proceedings Vol. 2, pp. 941-946<br />

Graph 18: Headline Improved Tolerance to Ozone Damage<br />

50<br />

Untreated<br />

Salisbury, MD, 2004<br />

Headline<br />

Ozone Injury (% Leaf Area)<br />

40<br />

30<br />

20<br />

10<br />

0<br />

Control Headline +<br />

triazole<br />

Barley treated with ozone, Jabs et al., BCPC Conference Pests and Disease, 2002,<br />

Proceedings Vol. 2, pp. 941-946<br />

16<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


Greenhouse and laboratory results<br />

The harmful effects of activated oxygen species can be reduced<br />

by increasing the activity of enzymes that remove them, like<br />

superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD enzyme activity in leaves<br />

is the most important scavenger for removing superoxide<br />

radicals, a type of activated oxygen species. <strong>Research</strong> trials<br />

were conducted to determine the effect of a Headline ® fungicide<br />

treatment on activity of this protective enzyme. SOD activity<br />

significantly increased by 20% in barley plants treated with<br />

Headline, resulting in a 44% reduction in the amount of activated<br />

oxygen species and superoxide produced (Graphs 19 a&b).<br />

Another type of enzyme that removes activated oxygen species<br />

is peroxidases. The peroxidase activity in flag leaves of barley<br />

was measured. <strong>Plant</strong>s treated with Headline showed nearly a<br />

two-fold increase in peroxidase activity (Graph 20).<br />

Graph 19 a&b: Headline Increased Anti-oxidative Capacity to Protect Wheat <strong>Plant</strong>s<br />

a<br />

SOD Activity (Units/g Fresh Weight 10 -3 )<br />

3.0<br />

2.5<br />

2.0<br />

1.5<br />

1.0<br />

0.5<br />

0<br />

Increased Anti-Oxidative Enzyme Activity<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

b<br />

O 2<br />

-<br />

Production (nM O 2<br />

- /min/leaf disc)<br />

100<br />

80<br />

60<br />

40<br />

20<br />

0<br />

Reduced Production of<br />

Reactive Oxygen Species<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

Statistically significant, p < 0.05<br />

Jabs et al., BCPC Conference Pests and Disease, 2002, Proceedings Vol. 2, pp. 941-946<br />

Graph 20: Headline Increased Peroxidase<br />

Activity to Protect Wheat <strong>Plant</strong>s<br />

250<br />

Peroxidase Activity<br />

(% of Untreated Control)<br />

200<br />

150<br />

100<br />

50<br />

0<br />

Control<br />

11-May<br />

Headline<br />

24-May<br />

Headline<br />

6-June<br />

Headline<br />

Peroxidase activity determined from flag leaf samples<br />

Köhle et al. 2002 in Modern <strong>Fungicide</strong>s and Antifungal Compounds III,<br />

Eds. Dehne, Gisi, Kuck, Russell and Lyr<br />

17


Headline ® <strong>Fungicide</strong><br />

Improves Tolerance to<br />

Cold Temperatures and Frost<br />

Increased SOD activity is also linked to tolerance of other stresses<br />

and includes plant re-growth after freezing stress.<br />

Graph 21 a&b: Headline Improved<br />

Crop Tolerance to Cold Stress<br />

a<br />

19.5<br />

19.0<br />

Height<br />

Greenhouse and laboratory results<br />

In growth chamber studies, corn was exposed to low<br />

temperatures to determine the effect of Headline on crop<br />

response to cold temperature. Headline treated corn exposed<br />

to 50°F for 14 hours maintained a higher chlorophyll content<br />

for seven days after cold treatment than untreated corn. The<br />

Headline treated corn was also significantly taller by 2.0 cm<br />

after the cold stress (Graphs 21 a&b).<br />

Height (cm)<br />

18.5<br />

18.0<br />

17.5<br />

17.0<br />

16.5<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

Headline can help a crop tolerate extremely low temperatures<br />

for a period of time. In a growth chamber and greenhouse<br />

study, immediately after Headline treatment, wheat plants were<br />

exposed to 14°F for two hours. The health of the plants was<br />

rated after a recovery in the greenhouse. The plants pre-treated<br />

with Headline were significantly healthier than untreated plants<br />

(Graph 22).<br />

Graph 22: Headline Improves Crop Tolerance to Frost Stress<br />

b<br />

SPAD Units<br />

39<br />

38<br />

37<br />

36<br />

Chlorophyll Measurement<br />

35<br />

Number of <strong>Plant</strong>s Per Pot<br />

5<br />

4<br />

3<br />

2<br />

1<br />

0<br />

Frost<br />

Damage<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

Viable <strong>Plant</strong>s<br />

34<br />

Control<br />

Headline<br />

Corn exposed to 50º F for 14 hours, measurements taken 7 DAT, height<br />

was statistically significant p=0.05<br />

BASF <strong>Research</strong> Trial<br />

Wheat exposed to 14º F for 2 hours, ratings made later the same day<br />

after recovery in the greenhouse<br />

BASF <strong>Research</strong> Trial<br />

18<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


Field observations and research<br />

Frost tolerance after Headline ® fungicide application is also seen<br />

in the field. Two sugar beet field sites that received Headline<br />

applications were rated for vigor and frost damage after several<br />

frost events. The frost events happened after Headline application<br />

(Photo 3). At the Idaho location, the plant vigor with Headline<br />

treatment was significantly better across all application dates.<br />

The vigor was on average 1.6 units greater than untreated using a<br />

1-10 rating scale (Graph 23a). At the Minnesota location, the plant<br />

vigor with Headline treatment was significantly better across all<br />

application dates. The vigor was on average 5.3 units greater than<br />

untreated using a 1-10 rating scale (Graph 23a). Frost damage<br />

was also measured at the Minnesota location (1-5 rating scale),<br />

Headline treated plants showed half as much frost damage to<br />

their leaves compared to the untreated (Graph 23b).<br />

Graph 23 a&b: Headline Improved Crop<br />

Tolerance to Frost – Sugar Beet<br />

a<br />

<strong>Plant</strong> Vigor Rating (1-10, 10 Best)<br />

10<br />

8<br />

6<br />

4<br />

2<br />

0<br />

Idaho<br />

Minnesota<br />

n Control n 8/1-8/14 n 8/15-8/28 n 9/1-9/12<br />

b<br />

Visual Frost Damage<br />

(1-5, 5 no damage)<br />

5<br />

4<br />

3<br />

2<br />

1<br />

0<br />

n Control n 8/1-8/14 n 8/15-8/28 n 9/1-9/12<br />

a. Crookston, MN and Minikoda, ID, 2006<br />

b. Crookston, MN, 2006<br />

Photo 3: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Frost – Sugar Beet<br />

Untreated<br />

Minikoda, ID, 2006<br />

Headline<br />

19


In Nampa, ID, three mint field locations that received<br />

Headline ® fungicide applications were rated for frost damage<br />

after several frost events. These frost events occurred after<br />

Headline application. The frost tolerance ratings at the three<br />

fields were on average 4.1 units greater than untreated using<br />

a 1-10 rating scale (Graph 24, Photos 4 a&b).<br />

Graph 24: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Frost - Mint<br />

Photo 4a: Headline Improved<br />

Crop Tolerance to Frost – Mint<br />

Frost Tolerance 1-10 Scale<br />

(1 = Dead, 10 = No Visible Frost Damage)<br />

8<br />

6<br />

4<br />

2<br />

0<br />

n Control<br />

M&S Farms<br />

n Headline<br />

Christiansen<br />

Farms<br />

Ernest Farms<br />

Untreated<br />

Headline<br />

Nampa, ID, 2007<br />

Photo 4b: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Frost – Mint<br />

Untreated<br />

Headline<br />

Nampa, ID, 2007<br />

20<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


Headline ® <strong>Fungicide</strong><br />

Improves Tolerance to Heat<br />

Photo 5: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Heat Stress<br />

Like cold stress, heat stress is linked to increased SOD<br />

activity. Nitric oxide is also linked to increasing tolerance<br />

to heat. As discussed earlier, Headline applications<br />

increase SOD activity and increased the production of<br />

nitric oxide by increasing the activity of nitrate reductase.<br />

So it is reasonable that Headline applications can<br />

improve tolerance to heat.<br />

Greenhouse and laboratory results<br />

This improved tolerance to heat with Headline<br />

application was studied in the growth chamber and the<br />

field. In the growth chamber, wheat plants treated with<br />

Headline were able to withstand 14 hours at 104°F<br />

significantly better than the controls (Photo 5).<br />

Field observations and research<br />

Field trial work in Syria with the International Center for<br />

Agricultural <strong>Research</strong> in Dry Areas studied the result of<br />

Headline applications on canopy temperature of wheat.<br />

Reduced canopy temperature means less water lost and<br />

less heat stress. The canopy temperature was measured<br />

using thermography. Thermography is a type of imaging<br />

that allows differences in temperature to be visualized.<br />

Headline treatment reduced the canopy temperature<br />

compared to the control in 11 of the 12 wheat varieties<br />

tested (Graph 25 & Photo 6).<br />

Untreated<br />

Wheat plants 11 days after heat stress applied, BASF <strong>Research</strong> Trial<br />

Photo 6: Thermal Image of Canopy Temperatures<br />

International Center for Agricultural <strong>Research</strong> in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2007<br />

Headline<br />

Graph 25: Headline Reduced Canopy Temperatures That Cause Drought Stress in <strong>Plant</strong>s<br />

Canopy Temperatures (deg. C)<br />

25.0<br />

24.5<br />

24.0<br />

23.5<br />

23.0<br />

22.5<br />

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12<br />

Wheat Genotypes<br />

n Control n Headline<br />

International Center for Agricultural <strong>Research</strong> in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2007<br />

21


HEADLINE ® FUNGICIDE IMPROVES<br />

PLANT HEALTH AND HARVESTABILITY<br />

The combination of disease control and physiological effects that lead to the <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong> benefits of Headline have been described<br />

in this report. These positive physiological changes include an increase in nitrate reductase activity, elevated levels of antioxidants and<br />

defense signaling compounds, and a decrease in the stress hormone ethylene. These Headline <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong> benefits may reduce stress<br />

on the crop and allow the crop to stay healthy longer. <strong>Health</strong>ier crops do not prematurely dry down (Photo 7). Headline allows the crop<br />

to complete grain fill and reach natural physiological maturity. In crops like corn, wheat, and sunflower, this can also mean an increase<br />

in stalk health (standability) that allows one to harvest the crop when they are ready. Rather than chasing corn fields before they lodge,<br />

growers can plan and harvest on their timetable in the most efficient manner.<br />

Stalk lodging is the breakage of the stalk below the ear or seed head like in cereals. Improved stalk and stem strength has been associated<br />

with a reduction in stalk rots. Stalk rots affect the movement of nutrients in the plant. Also, stalk lodging can result after stresses such<br />

as extreme weather that is too wet or too dry, hail or frost, or poor soil conditions. Crops under stress use proportionally more resources<br />

for grain production than for plant growth. Thus they commonly rob resources from the stalk to complete grain fill. This reallocation of<br />

resources results in a weaker stalk that is more susceptible to lodging and stalk rot diseases. Headline improves crop standability which<br />

ultimately means an easier harvest.<br />

Photo 7: Headline Improved Growth Efficiency and Overall <strong>Plant</strong> <strong>Health</strong><br />

Untreated<br />

Headline<br />

Boody, IL, August 15, 2007<br />

Untreated<br />

Headline<br />

Seymour, IL, August 26, 2008<br />

22<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


Field observations and research<br />

Lodging data were recorded from 175 on-farm corn trials in 2005<br />

and 2006. The trials were separated into moderate and severe<br />

lodging situations. Trials with moderate lodging had less than 10%<br />

lodging in the untreated section and trials with severe lodging had<br />

more than 10% lodging in the untreated section. In both situations,<br />

Headline ® fungicide reduced lodging. Where lodging was<br />

severe, lodging averaged greater than 25% in the untreated, but<br />

less than 10% in plots treated with Headline (Graph 26).<br />

Graph 26: Headline Treated Corn Stands<br />

Better at Harvest, On-farm Results<br />

% Lodging<br />

30<br />

25<br />

20<br />

15<br />

10<br />

5<br />

0<br />

n Untreated<br />

Moderate<br />

lodging (


Reduced lodging after Headline ® fungicide application is also<br />

seen in other crops. Headline application reduced storm induced<br />

lodging in wheat in a grower field in NC (Photo 9). In an on-farm<br />

grower sunflower field, Headline treated sunflowers had 0%<br />

lodging and yielded 152 lbs/ac more than untreated. The untreated<br />

sunflowers had 40% lodging (Photo 10).<br />

Photo 9: Headline Improved Straw Strength and Reduces the Risk of Lodging<br />

Untreated<br />

Headline<br />

Freemont, NC, 2007<br />

Photo 10: Headline Improved Stalk Strength – Sunflower<br />

Untreated<br />

Headline<br />

Bismark, ND, 2007<br />

24<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


For years, growers have reported that Headline ® fungicide use allows for a faster and less fatiguing<br />

harvest. The benefits often have a monetary value. Decreased lodging results in less grain loss at<br />

harvest time. Faster harvest also reduces labor, fuel, and equipment costs. For example, it would require<br />

an additional 55 hours to harvest 1000 acres of corn if a lodged crop required the operator to slow down<br />

just 2 mph (utilizing a combine with an eight row head). Not only would this delay completing harvest<br />

by potentially a week or more, but would also increase labor costs since often 2 or more persons are<br />

required to operate the combine and haul the grain. In addition to labor costs, the additional 55 hours<br />

of operating a combine would require an estimated $2,310 of fuel (14 gal/hr at $3/gal) and $6,600 in<br />

equipment costs ($120/hr lease).<br />

Headline provides healthier, less diseased stalks that efficiently transport water and nutrients to<br />

leaves and grain. <strong>Health</strong>y, less-diseased stalks at harvest result in decreased crop lodging and enable<br />

a more efficient harvest.<br />

25


Notes<br />

26<br />

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY


Notes<br />

27


BASF Agricultural Products<br />

26 Davis Drive<br />

<strong>Research</strong> Triangle Park, NC 27709<br />

USA<br />

+1 919-547-2000<br />

Always read and follow label directions.<br />

For more information about Headline and other<br />

BASF products please visit: www.agproducts.basf.us<br />

Headline is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation.<br />

Stratego is a registered trademark of Bayer.<br />

Quadris and Quilt are registered trademarks of Syngenta Group Company<br />

©2009 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved. APN-09-01-088-0021

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