Headline® Fungicide Plant Health Research Summary
Headline® Fungicide Plant Health Research Summary
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
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USA<br />
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