What’s the number one disease problem in edible beans in Ontario?
That’s a question University of Guelph associate professor Chris Gillard asked in a recent grower survey and the answer wasn’t surprising, says the edible bean researcher. Sixty-seven percent of growers named white mould as their biggest disease problem, and an even higher 75 percent of growers pegged it as their number one production problem.
On this episode of the RealAgriculture Edible Bean School, Gillard joins host Bernard Tobin to discuss his research and the role fungicides can play in managing the challenges white mould brings to dry beans — in fields with high levels of infection, yield losses can reach up to 75 percent.
In the video, Gillard shares research he’s conducted at Ontario’s Huron Research Station to identify the most efficacious white mould fungicides. He says when growers spray the top two rated products, Propulse and Allegro, they can get a 50 percent reduction in disease severity and a 75 percent yield increase. Returns of $400 per acre to the grower are typical, he adds.
Gillard also shares fungicide application tips based on his research findings. His survey revealed that 41 percent of growers are timing first fungicide application to the 3-pin pod stage. “That’s critical. Get it on early because these are protective products,” he stresses. Growers can then look at the weather forecast, assess crop conditions and yield potential, and decide whether a second application is necessary.
In Gillard’s survey, 46 percent of growers indicated they apply a second fungicide application to give added protection.
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