There are two principle reasons why late-planted corn is typically more affected by diseases than early-planted corn:

• Disease inoculum loads are higher when the late-planted corn plants are small.

- Soil temperatures are markedly warmer, stimulating fungal growth and sporulation from the soil.

- Moisture is abundant, since that is the primary reason for planting delays.

• The corn plants are more vulnerable to infections.

- With the warmer temperatures, the plants grow more quickly.

- Cuticles, which provide a protective barrier to abrasions and infections, are thinner on fast-growing plants.

- Favorable air temperatures promote quicker fungal growth.

- Heavy early infections portend higher disease levels at each stage throughout the season.

• Quickly growing plants are also more likely to be subject to green snap, a condition improved with fungicide treatments.

Growers should consider making both an early season and an at-tassel application of Stratego® YLD fungicide.

The early season treatment stops these initial infections, protecting leaf tissue and promoting healthy stalks. The tassel application provides an important layer of protection for the leaf canopy, protecting the photosynthetic surface area needed for grain fill. The two powerful chemistries with different modes of action provide consistent performance over a wide array of weather conditions and fight the development of fungal resistance.

IMPACT OF DISEASE ON LATE-PLANTED CORN.Corn planting is significantly behind normal trends this year. Because there is a downward pressure on yields as planting dates are pushed back, it is important to get as much return as possible from each acre. The investment costs are much the same for early-planted corn as late-planted corn, so taking all of the steps possible to maximize the yield potential is a wise course of action. In this environment, fungicide applications will have an even wider impact on productivity. Generally, late-planted corn is more afflicted with disease infections than early-planted corn.

Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer (reg’d), the Bayer Cross (reg’d), Healthy Fields. Higher Yields.™ and Stratego® are trademarks of Bayer. Stratego YLD is not registered in all states. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.usCR0513STRYLDA080V00R0

IMPORTANT: This bulletin is not intended to provide adequate information for use of these products. Read the label before using these products. Observe all label directions and precautions while using these products.

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