headline fungicide research summaryschertzaerial.com/docs/basf headline plant health research...

Headline® FungicidePlant Health Research Summary

i

SUMMARYHeadline® fungicide improves Plant Health through inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in both fungal diseases and plants.

In fungi, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration prevents the breakdown of carbon required for production of energy to fuel fungal growth. This results in death of the fungi.

In plants, the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration causes a cascade of positive events that can result in improved tolerance to stresses and increased efficiency of plant physiological processes. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by Headline results in:

• Less CO2 lost by the plant resulting in more carbon available for plant growth and yield.

• Increased activity of nitrate reductase, the enzyme that is important for making a form of nitrogen that can be used by plants. This results in more nitrogen available for plant growth and yield.

– The activation of nitrate reductase increases levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide triggers plant defense mechanisms. Plant defense mechanisms are important not only in defending against fungal diseases, but also bacterial and viral diseases.

– Nitric oxide inhibits enzymes involved in the production of ethylene, a plant hormone produced in response to stress. Ethylene can cause a plant to drop energy containing leaves, to mature earlier than normal, and abort flowers, seed and/or pods in response to stress.

• Increased activity of enzymes like superoxide dismutase and peroxidases that remove harmful activated oxygen species. This can result in reduced oxidative stress in response to environmental disorders, such as physiological leaf spot, ozone damage, cold stress, and heat stress.

Headline improves Plant Health, not just through superb, broad spectrum control of fungal diseases, but also through improved tolerance to stress and increased efficiency of plant processes. This enables plants to better withstand disease and a multitude of environmental stresses resulting in improved crop harvestability, quality and yield.

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARYii

Yield

Seed Quality • Healthier Plants • Stalk Strength

Growth Efficiency

• Better use of nitrogen fertilizer

• More efficient photosynthesis

Disease Control

• Excellent control of major foliar diseases

• Increased tolerance to bacterial and viral infections

Stress Tolerance• Drought• Hail• Ozone• Frost• Heat

HEADLINE® FUNGICIDE DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT HEALTH

1

INTRODUCTIONWhen crops are able to put nearly all of their energy into growth and grain/seed fill, yield potential is maximized. To achieve this, crops must make the best use of inputs like carbon and nitrogen while limiting energy wasted on fending off stresses caused by weather, environment, diseases and other factors. Changing agronomic practices that create higher yield situations, like increased planting density, can also add stress to a crop. Newer hybrids, with added traits, have been bred for higher yields. Breeding for high yields can be at the expense of other traits that provide more tolerance to disease and stress. To maximize crop yields profitably, growers focus on controlling factors that they can impact to create an ideal environment for crop growth and yield. These factors include agronomic practices to reduce stress, improve crop growth, and manage pests and disease.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY i

INTRODUCTION 1

HEADLINE® FUNGICIDE DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT HEALTH 2

HEADLINE IMPROVES CROP GROWTH EFFICIENCY 3

Headline Improves Crop Utilization of Nitrogen 3

Headline Improves Photosynthetic Efficiency 5

DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT DEFENSE 7

Headline Pre-treatment Activates Plant Defenses 7

Headline Increases Tolerance to Bacterial and Viral Infections 9

INCREASED TOLERANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS 10

Headline Improves Tolerance to Drought 10

Headline Improves Tolerance to Hail 14

Headline Improves Tolerance to Ozone 16

Headline Improves Tolerance to Cold Temperatures and Frost 18

Headline Improves Tolerance to Heat 21

HEADLINE IMPROVES PLANT HEALTH AND HARVESTABILITY 22

HEADLINE PLANT HEALTH RESEARCH SUMMARY2

Pyraclostrobin, the active ingredient in Headline, belongs to the strobilurin class of fungicides. In addition to excellent, broad spectrum disease control, research has shown that Headline also provides additional Plant Health benefits. Headline controls foliar fungal diseases by inhibiting respiration in the fungal mitochondria. This inhibition prevents the breakdown of energy rich carbon compounds that the fungus needs to produce energy for growth. Headline also has activity on the plant mitochondria and reduces respiration in the plant. Since the plant’s primary source of energy comes from sunlight through photosynthesis, this decrease in respiration can have a positive effect on growth. Decrease in respiration allows the plant to keep more stored carbon compounds for growth and triggers a chain reaction of positive physiological changes in the plant. These positive physiological changes may include an increase in nitrate reductase activity, elevated levels of antioxidants and defense signaling compounds, and a decrease in the stress hormone ethylene. The combination of disease control, stress reduction and increased growth efficiency lead to the Plant Health benefits of Headline described in this report (Figure 1).

HEADLINE® FUNGICIDE DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT HEALTH

Figure 1: Headline Disease Control and Plant Health

Proposed model of Plant Health benefits

* redlinesindicateinhibitionofpathwayorprocess** bluearrowsindicateactivationofpathwayorprocess† Increasedtolerancetobacterialandviralinfections

Increases Plant Growth

Fungi

*

**

Plants

LowCellularATPLevels

Nitrate Nitrite

NitricOxide(NO)

Mitochondria

Activates PlantDefense Responses†

Reduces StressInduced Ethylene

IncreasesAntioxidative

Capacity

Reduces Plant Stress

Activates Nitrate

Reductase

IncreasesCarbon &Nitrogen

Assimilation

InhibitsElectronTransport

Increases Net Photosynthesis

3

Today’s growers seek to maximize yields and profitability of their farming operation as production costs continue to rise. With these rising 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 to achieve the highest yield potential. Laboratory and field research has demonstrated that Headline can improve nitrogen utilization in crops and can also improve photosynthetic efficiency. The result is that Headline treated crops may keep more carbon for growth, development, and yield potential.

HEADLINE® FUNGICIDE IMPROVES CROP GROWTH EFFICIENCY

Figure 2: Improved Nitrate Reductase Activity and Photosynthetic Efficiency, Proposed Model

Headline Improves Crop Utilization of Nitrogen

Nitrate reductase is an enzyme in plants that is required to convert nitrate to nitrite so that it can be used by the plant for growth and development. The activity of Headline on plant mitochondria results in a reduction of respiration. This reduction in respiration activates the nitrate reductase enzyme. This activation results in more rapid conversion of nitrate into nitrite for the plant to use. Thus nitrogen utilization is improved and plant biomass can be increased to provide more photosynthesis and carbon for grain fill (Figure 2).

Greenhouse and laboratory resultsA research study was conducted to determine the effect of Headline on the enzyme, nitrate reductase. Within a few hours after Headline application to wheat leaves, the activity of nitrate reductase increased by more than 70%. The increased nitrate reductase activity was maintained for more than three nights after a single application of Headline (Graph 1a, next page).

Nitrate uptake in vivo increased approximately 40% seven days after Headline treatment. The increased nitrate reductase activity and nitrate uptake was followed by enhanced plant growth, with an increase in plant biomass of about 20%, two weeks after the Headline application (Graph 1b, next page).

* redlinesindicateinhibitionofpathwayorprocess** bluearrowsindicateactivationofpathwayorprocess

Increases Plant Growth

*

**Plants


Nitrate Nitrite

Mitochondria

Activates Nitrate

Reductase

IncreasesCarbon &Nitrogen

Assimilation


Increases Net Photosynthesis


Field observations and researchResearch studies were conducted in corn and soybeans in Brazil to determine if Headline® fungicide activates the nitrate reductase enzyme under field conditions. In corn, the active ingredient in Headline was compared to azoxystrobin. Azoxystrobin is the strobilurin active ingredient in Quilt® and Quadris® fungicides. Across all nitrogen rates, nitrate reductase activity increased on average by 477% one day after application of a product containing the same active ingredient in Headline (data not shown). At the highest nitrogen rate used, the product

Graph 2: Headline Increased Nitrate Reductase Activity in Corn Greater Than a Competitive Strobilurin

Dr. Dourado Neto, ESALQ/USP, 2005, application to 8 leaf corn, measured 1 day after treatment

* The strobilurin in Quilt

100

80

60

40

20

0

% A

ctiv

ity

Nitrate Reductase Activity

Control azoxystrobin*+ triazole

Headline + triazole

Graph 3: Headline Increased Nitrate Reductase Activity in Soybeans Greater Than a Competitive Strobilurin

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

* The strobilurin in Quadris

200

160

120

80

40

0

% A

ctiv

ity



Headline + triazole

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

Köhle et al. 2002 in Modern Fungicides and Antifungal Compounds III, Eds. Dehne, Gisi, Kuck, Russell and Lyr

Nitrate reductase determined 14 hours after application; nitrate uptake measured 7 days after application; plant biomass, 9 days after application

n Control n Headline

40

30

20

10

0In v

ivo

Nit

rate

Red

ucta

se A

ctiv

ity

[mm

ol g

-1 F

W]


Nights After Application1 2 3

80

60

40

20

0

% In

crea

se O

ver

Unt

reat

ed

Nitrate Reductase Activity, Nitrate Uptake and Increased Plant Growth

Increased NitrateReductase Activity

IncreasedNitrate Uptake

IncreasedPlant Biomass(Fresh Weight)

a b

containing the active ingredient in Headline increased nitrate reductase activity by 20% more than azoxystrobin (Graph 2).

In soybeans, the active ingredient in Headline was compared to azoxystrobin. Two applications of each product were made, and nitrate reductase activity was measured 8 days after the last treatment. The product containing the active ingredient in Headline increased nitrate reductase activity by 89% more than the untreated and 55% more than azoxystrobin (Graph 3).

5

Figure 3: Reduction of Respiration/Increased Net Photosynthesis

Sugars(Stored Energy)

Sugars(Stored Energy)

Untreated

Carbon

O2

Carbon

Sun (Energy)

Energy

CO2 + H20

CO2

CO2

O2

Photosynthesis

Keeps More Energy (Sugars) for Plant Growth

Respiration

To determine the effect of Headline® fungicide on corn growth and yield in the field, research trials were conducted by the University of Illinois under a low disease environment. Nitrogen rates ranged from 0 to 300 lbs/ac. At all nitrogen rates, Headline-treated corn out-yielded untreated corn, indicating that more grain was produced per unit of nitrogen (Graph 4). The result is potentially more efficient utilization of nitrogen.

Headline Improves Photosynthetic Efficiency

Increasing the efficiency of photosynthesis also allows a crop to make best use of available inputs. The activity of Headline on plant mitochondria reduces respiration in crops. This reduction in respiration reduces the amount of CO2 given off when stored carbon compounds are broken down. Reducing the amount of CO2 given off can mean more carbon remains available for growth, development, and eventually yield potential (Figure 3).

Graph 4: Headline Increased Corn Yield Over Five Nitrogen Rates

Research trials on field corn, Dr. Below, University of Illinois, 2005

180

160

140

120

100

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Gra

in Y

ield

(bu/

ac)

Rate of Applied Nitrogen (lb/ac)

Untreated

Headline


Field Observations and ResearchField research studies were conducted in corn and soybeans in Brazil to determine the effect of Headline® fungicide on plant photosynthetic efficiency and respiration. In corn, a single treatment of the same active ingredient in Headline was made to corn at the V8 growth stage. Three rates of nitrogen were used. In the treated corn, six days after application, respiration was significantly decreased by an average of 28% and net photosynthesis was significantly increased an average of 73% across all nitrogen levels (data not shown). A comparison to azoxystrobin was included in this trial. At the highest nitrogen

rate used, the product containing the active ingredient in Headline decreased respiration by 25% and increased net photosynthesis by 58% more than azoxystrobin (Graphs 5 a&b). For soybeans, two applications of the same active ingredient in Headline were made. Seven days after the second application, respiration was significantly decreased by 49% and net photosynthesis was significantly increased by 26%. A comparison to azoxystrobin was included in this trial. The product containing the active ingredient in Headline decreased respiration by 16% and increased net photosynthesis by 8% more than azoxystrobin (Graphs 5 c&d).

Graph 5 a&b and c&d: Headline Fungicide Reduced Respiration and Increased Net Photosynthesis, Improving Stress Tolerance and Yield Potential

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

* The strobilurin in Quilt

100

90

80

70

60

50

Relative % Respiration, Corn


Headline+ triazole

170

150

130

110

90

70

% Net Photosynthesis, Corn


Headline+ triazole

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

* The strobilurin in Quadris

1009080706050403020100

Relative % Respiration, Soybean


Headline+ triazole

130

110

90

70

50

30

% Net Photosynthesis, Soybean


Headline+ triazole

a

c

b

d

7

Disease control is important for maintaining maximum yield potential. Disease control is especially important with current agronomic practices like increased plant population and reduced tillage practices that often create conditions favorable for disease. A crop with a higher plant population per acre is more likely to have increased disease pressure, increased stress on each plant, and reduced stalk strength. Disease control maintains green leaf area and reduces the amount of energy used by the plant to fight the disease. Headline® fungicide is widely recognized as a fungicide with excellent control of major foliar fungal diseases in a wide variety of plant species. The Plant Health benefits of Headline can also increase tolerance to bacterial and viral infections, another part of plant defense.

DISEASE CONTROL AND PLANT DEFENSE

Figure 4: Activation of Plant Defense Responses, Proposed Model

Faster and/or improved defense responses by plants to pathogen attack reduce the impact of disease. Faster response helps reduce yield losses even when a crop can fight off the disease. Headline has been shown to activate plant defenses so that a crop is better prepared to defend itself when pathogen attack occurs. One way that plants respond to disease is by producing

nitric oxide which triggers plants to defend against the disease. Headline promotes the production of nitric oxide by reducing respiration in the plant mitochondria. The reduction in respiration activates nitrate reductase enzyme, which in turn increases the amount of nitrite. Together, activated nitrate reductase and increased levels of nitrite produce nitric oxide (Figure 4).

Headline Pre-treatment Activates Plant Defenses


Nitrate

Nitrite

NitricOxide(NO)

Mitochondria

Activates Nitrate

Reductase


* redlinesindicateinhibitionofpathwayorprocess** bluearrowsindicateactivationofpathwayorprocess† Increasedtolerancetobacterialandviralinfections

*

**

Activates PlantDefense Responses†


Graph 6 a&b: Headline Induced Production of Nitric Oxide

12

10

8

6

4

2

00 2.5 5 8 24

Nit

ric

Oxi

de

(nm

ol/

gFW

/min

)

Soybean Cell Suspension Cultures

Time (h)

Plant J. 2004 38:1015

Prof. Walters, SAC, Edinburgh


5

4

3

2

1

0

Nit

ric

Oxi

de

(nm

ol/

min

)

Tobacco Leaves

Measurement Timing

Immediately After Application

5 Days AfterApplication

Greenhouse and laboratory resultsThe increased production of nitric oxide was shown in a research study by treating intact tobacco leaves and soybean cell sus-pension cultures with Headline® fungicide. Headline treatment of soybean cells caused a Headline dependent production of nitric oxide which was greatest 5 hours after treatment and remained essentially unchanged for the next 19 hours (Graph 6a). Headline treatment of tobacco leaves caused an immediate emission of nitric oxide that could still be detected the fifth day after treatment (Graph 6b) (Headline is not registered for use on tobacco in the U.S.). The production of nitric oxide after applica-tion is an important step in the Plant Health effects of Headline.

The impact of increased nitric oxide production on plant disease was demonstrated in a wheat research study (Figure 5). Only the first leaf of a wheat seedling was treated with Headline in this study. The second leaf, though not treated, had a reduction in disease of 25%. Since Headline does not move out of one leaf into another, it was concluded that the Headline pre-treatment may have activated a plant defense signal that moved to the second leaf.

Figure 5: Headline Activated Plant Defense Against Pathogens to Protect Untreated Wheat Leaves

Water HeadlineSAR: Systemic Acquired Resistance

2nd Leaf

2nd Leaf: 1st Leaf Treatment Effect on Septoria tritici infection1st Leaf: Treated

with Headline

41%

Infection (%)

16%

SAR

a

b

9

Graph 7: Headline Activated Plant Defense Against Viral and Bacterial Infection

Plant Physiol. 2002. 130:120-127

300

250

200

150

100

50

Lesi

on

Siz

e (P

ixel

s)

Viral Infection Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Control Headline

Graph 8: Headline Activated Plant Defense Against Viral and Bacterial Infection

Plant Physiol. 2002. 130:120-127

4

3

2

1

0

0 13 24 48

Bac

teri

al P

op

ulat

ion

[x10

-6 c

fu (l

eaf

dis

c) -1

]

Bacterial Infection Pseudomonas syringae

Hours After Inoculation

Control

Headline

Headline® Fungicide Increases Tolerance to Bacterial and Viral Infections

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is another type of plant defense response. One example of a SAR response is when a plant has been infected by one pathogen and then can respond faster to the same or different pathogen later. SAR is called systemic because even parts of the plant that were not originally infected are activated for defense. SAR plays an important role in reducing the impact of disease on a crop and helps protect yield potential. Many plants produce a pathogenesis-related (PR) protein to activate SAR. PR proteins can act like antimicrobial compounds. In tobacco, the major PR protein is PR-1. Build-up of PR-1 is part of the tobacco plant’s resistance to tobacco mosaic virus infection.

Greenhouse and laboratory resultsTo determine if Headline would activate plant defenses against viral diseases, tobacco was selected as a model crop due to its susceptibility to viruses. Generally, fungicides do not have activity on viral pathogens. In the studies, tobacco plants were pre-treated with Headline and then infected with tobacco mosaic virus. The viral lesion sizes in plants pre-treated with Headline were reduced by more than 50% (Graph 7, Figure 6). Headline pre-treatment did not directly cause the build-up of PR-1 protein. Instead, Headline activated the plant to more rapidly build-up the PR-1 protein (data not shown). Tobacco leaves pre-treated with Headline also had better resistance to bacterial infection (Graph 8).

Figure 6: Headline Pretreatment Activated Plant Defense Against Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)

BASF research results, Brazil** Inoculation 24 Hrs. after treatment

Untreated + TMV **

HeadlinePre-treatment

+ TMV **

Healthy Plant– TMV


A growing season is never perfect for the entire season. Even short periods of mild stress can reduce the yield potential of a crop. Reducing the impact of these stresses allows a crop to better maximize its yield potential. When a crop experiences stress, it produces several compounds in response. Two of these compounds are ethylene and activated oxygen species.

INCREASED TOLERANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS

Figure 7: Headline Reduces Plant Stress by Inhibiting Ethylene Production and Increasing Antioxidative Capacity, Proposed Model

Headline® Fungicide Improves Tolerance to Drought

Ethylene is a hormone that plants produce in response to many stresses, including drought stress. Plants also produce ethylene in response to injury, when plants mature, prior to leaf, flower, or pod loss, and before pathogen triggered cell death. Reducing the production of ethylene can limit the natural response to stress, which is to sacrifice important contributors to yield like leaves, flowers, or pods in an attempt to reduce the effects of stress on the plant. Nitric oxide inhibits the enzymes involved in the production of ethylene. The more nitric oxide, the less ethylene produced. Since nitric oxide levels in a plant are often increased after Headline application, the amount of ethylene in Headline treated plants is also reduced (Figure 7).

* redlinesindicateinhibitionofpathwayorprocess** bluearrowsindicateactivationofpathwayorprocess

*

**


Nitrate Nitrite

NitricOxide(NO)

Mitochondria

Reduces StressInduced Ethylene

IncreasesAntioxidative

Capacity

Reduces Plant Stress

Activates Nitrate

Reductase


11

Greenhouse and laboratory resultsTo study ethylene reduction and improved tolerance to drought, young wheat plants were treated with Headline® fungicide. After treatment, leaves were removed and allowed to wilt to simulate drought stress. The activity of one of the major enzymes, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase, involved in production of ethylene was then measured. ACC synthase activity was decreased 61% by Headline compared to the control. The amount of ACC produced by the enzyme was reduced by about 31% compared to the control (Graphs 9 a&b). The inhibition of ethylene production by Headline was compared to other strobilurins. Forty-five hours after the stress started, Headline reduced ethylene production by 33% more than trifloxystrobin and by 67% more than azoxystrobin (Graph 10).

Graph 9 a&b: Headline Inhibited ACC Synthase Activity

100

80

60

40

20

0

% o

f C

ont

rol

ACC Synthase Activity

Control Headline

Wheat plants treated with Headline, Köhle et al. 2002 in Modern Fungicides and Antifungal Compounds III, Eds. Dehne, Gisi, Kuck, Russell and Lyr

100

80

60

40

20

0

% o

f C

ont

rol

ACC Content

Control Headline

Graph 10: Headline Inhibited the Production Ethylene in Wheat After Stress

BASF Global Ag Research* Azoxystrobin – strobilurin in Quilt†Trifloxystrobin – strobilurin in Stratego

n azoxystrobin* n trifloxystrobin† n Headline

60%

40%

20%

0%

-20%

%In

hib

itio

n

Time After Stress Applied (h)

3 21 27 45

b

a


Graph 11 a&b: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Drought Stress

10

8

6

4

2

0

Dro

ught

Str

ess

Rat

ing

(0-1

0)

Soybean – 13 Days Without Watering

Control Headline

When crops experience drought stress, leaves begin to senesce and die. This premature senescence is triggered by an increase in the production of ethylene. Losing green leaves means limiting a crop’s ability to carry out photosynthesis for maximum yield. Corn and soybeans were studied in the greenhouse to determine if an application of Headline® fungicide reduced the negative impact of drought stress. Plants were grown to the four leaf or trifoliate stage, treated with Headline, and then watering was stopped. Drought stress symptoms were rated on a 0-10 scale. In the soy-bean study, 13 days after watering was stopped, there was a 24% reduction in the effect of drought on plants treated with Headline compared to the untreated (Graph 11a, Photos 1 a&b). In the corn study, 10 days after watering was stopped, there was an 8% reduction in the effect of drought on plants treated with Headline compared to the untreated (Graph 11b). Greenhouse research studies were also conducted on wheat to determine the effect of Headline on water use efficiency. Water use efficiency is a measure of how much grain is produced with a known amount of water. Wheat treated with Headline required less water to produce a bushel of grain. As increasing drought stress was applied, wheat treated with Headline required increasingly less water than the control (Graph 12).

Photo 1 a&b: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Drought Stress

Seven days without wateringBASF Research Trial

Soybean - statistically significant, p=0.05Corn - statistically significant, p=0.10BASF Research Trial

10

8

6

4

2

0

Dro

ught

Str

ess

Rat

ing

(0-1

0)

Corn – 10 Days Without Watering

Control Headline

Graph 12: Less Water Needed to Produce a Bushel of Grain With Headline Treatment

BASF research results: wheat


600

550

500

450

400

Tran

spir

atio

n C

oef

fici

ent

[kg

wat

er/k

g g

rain

yie

ld]

Soil Moisture Content60% 30% Wilting

a b

a

b

Untreated Headline

13

Graph 13 a&b: Headline Improved Corn Yield Under Drought Stress

Application made at VT, leaf health evaluated at R2, Dinuba, CA, 2007. No foliar disease present during trial.BASF Research Trial


90

85

80

75

70

% G

reen

Lea

f T

issu

e

Corn Leaf Health

OptimumIrrigation

75%Irrigation

50%Irrigation


240

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

Yie

ld (b

u/ac

)

Yield

OptimumIrrigation

75%Irrigation

50%Irrigation

Field observations and researchField research studies on corn were conducted to determine if Headline® fungicide reduced the impact of drought under field conditions. These studies were done with Headline and controlled irrigation at the BASF Research Station in Dinuba, California. This station was selected because little natural rainfall occurs there in the summer and disease pressure is low. Three different irrigation levels were used, optimum, 75% of optimum and 50% of optimum. Percent green leaf tissue and yield were measured

to determine the health of the crop. Headline treated corn plants had improved leaf greenness and yield at all irrigation levels. In treatments that were subject to low to moderate drought stress, yield was increased by 20% (Graphs 13 a&b). With increased drought stress, Headline treated corn increasingly had better leaf greenness and yield over the untreated corn. These results indicate that Headline can improve photosynthetic capacity and yield by helping the plant to maintain healthy leaf tissue under drought stress.

a b


Headline® Fungicide Improves Tolerance to Hail

Hail is another stress that triggers the production of ethylene because of crop wounding. Hail can reduce yield potential by destroying green leaf tissue and making a way for certain pathogens to enter the plant. Headline applications reduce ethylene that signals crop stress and protect wounded crops from disease.

Field observations and researchIn a simulated hail trial conducted in Ontario, Canada, Headline applications either 7 days before or 7 days after simulated hail stress in corn helped maintain green leaf tissue and increased yield (Graphs 14 a&b).


170

150

130

110

90

70

50

30

Yie

ld (b

u/ac

)

Yield

No Hail 7 DBT 7 DAT

Graph 14 a&b: Headline Improved Plant Tolerance to Hail Damage


90

70

50

30

10% G

reen

Lea

f T

issu

e

Corn Leaf Health

No Hail 7 DBT 7 DAT

Simulated hail damage, Headline applied at early tassel, London, Ontario, Canada, 2008BASF Research Trial

a b

Untreated Headline

15

Graph 15: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Hail Damage

Results from 2006 Headline Corn On-farm testing program (15 locations):Headline applied at or near VT

114

112

110

108

106

104

102

100

% Y

ield

of

Unt

reat

ed

Corn On-farm Results

Hail BeforeHeadline App.

Hail AfterHeadline App.

Hail Prior to V16

On-farm corn and cereal trials where hail events were reported also show that Headline® fungicide helps protect the crop leaf tissue from disease after a hail event and keeps green leaf tissue to maximize yield potential (Graphs 15 and 16).

Graph 16: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Hail Damage

Castleford, ID, 2008Y

ield

(bu/

ac)

Winter Wheat On-farm Results

Control Headline

132

130

128

126

124

122

120

118


Headline® Fungicide Improves Tolerance to Ozone

In addition to ethylene, activated oxygen species are produced when a crop experiences stress. The production of activated oxygen species causes oxidative stress in the plant. Oxidative stress occurs with stresses such as drought, desiccation, flooding, freezing, chilling, ice encasement and ozone. Improved tolerance to these environmental stresses occurs when a crop can reduce the activated oxygen species. A number of enzymes are involved in reducing activated oxygen species, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalases, and peroxidases.

Field observations and researchOxidative stress is involved in the formation of Physiological Leaf Spot (PLS). PLS is a disorder that is noted by necrotic spotting or areas of dead cells in leaves. PLS is an environ-mental disorder and is not caused by a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection. The effect of the active ingredient in Headline on PLS has been studied in a barley field research trial. Treatment prevented development of PLS symptoms by about 80% in one variety and about 55% in another (Graphs 17 a&b). In another trial, application of a product containing the same active ingre-dient in Headline significantly protected barley by more than 90% from oxidative stress injury due to ozone treatment (Graph 18). This tolerance to ozone damage has also been demonstrated on corn (Photo 2).

Barley under field conditions, ratings made at Feekes 11.1, Jabs et al., BCPC Conference Pests and Disease, 2002, Proceedings Vol. 2, pp. 941-946

n Gunda n Anthere

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Yie

ld (b

u/ac

)

Control Headline + triazole

Feekes 9

Headline + triazole

Feekes 10.1

Graph 17 a&b: Headline Reduced Physiological Leaf Spot (PLS) Symptoms in Barley

n Gunda n Anthere

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

PLS

(% L

eaf

Are

a)


Feekes 9

Headline + triazole

Feekes 10.1

Graph 18: Headline Improved Tolerance to Ozone Damage

Barley treated with ozone, Jabs et al., BCPC Conference Pests and Disease, 2002, Proceedings Vol. 2, pp. 941-946

50

40

30

20

10

0

Ozo

ne In

jury

(% L

eaf

Are

a)


Untreated Headline

Photo 2: Headline Improved Tolerance to Ozone Damage

Salisbury, MD, 2004

+23 bu/ac

b

a

17

Greenhouse and laboratory resultsThe harmful effects of activated oxygen species can be reduced by increasing the activity of enzymes that remove them, like superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD enzyme activity in leaves is the most important scavenger for removing superoxide radicals, a type of activated oxygen species. Research trials were conducted to determine the effect of a Headline® fungicide treatment on activity of this protective enzyme. SOD activity

significantly increased by 20% in barley plants treated with Headline, resulting in a 44% reduction in the amount of activated oxygen species and superoxide produced (Graphs 19 a&b). Another type of enzyme that removes activated oxygen species is peroxidases. The peroxidase activity in flag leaves of barley was measured. Plants treated with Headline showed nearly a two-fold increase in peroxidase activity (Graph 20).

Graph 19 a&b: Headline Increased Anti-oxidative Capacity to Protect Wheat Plants

Statistically significant, p < 0.05Jabs et al., BCPC Conference Pests and Disease, 2002, Proceedings Vol. 2, pp. 941-946

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

SO

D A

ctiv

ity

(Uni

ts/g

Fre

sh W

eig

ht 1

0-3)

Increased Anti-Oxidative Enzyme Activity

Control Headline

100

80

60

40

20

0

O2- P

rod

ucti

on

(nM

O2- /

min

/lea

f d

isc)

Reduced Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

Control Headline

Graph 20: Headline Increased Peroxidase Activity to Protect Wheat Plants

Peroxidase activity determined from flag leaf samplesKöhle et al. 2002 in Modern Fungicides and Antifungal Compounds III, Eds. Dehne, Gisi, Kuck, Russell and Lyr

250

200

150

100

50

0

Per

oxi

das

e A

ctiv

ity

(% o

f U

ntre

ated

Co

ntro

l)

Control 11-MayHeadline

24-MayHeadline

6-JuneHeadline

a b


Headline® Fungicide Improves Tolerance to Cold Temperatures and Frost

Increased SOD activity is also linked to tolerance of other stresses and includes plant re-growth after freezing stress.

Greenhouse and laboratory resultsIn growth chamber studies, corn was exposed to low temperatures to determine the effect of Headline on crop response to cold temperature. Headline treated corn exposed to 50°F for 14 hours maintained a higher chlorophyll content for seven days after cold treatment than untreated corn. The Headline treated corn was also significantly taller by 2.0 cm after the cold stress (Graphs 21 a&b).

Headline can help a crop tolerate extremely low temperatures for a period of time. In a growth chamber and greenhouse study, immediately after Headline treatment, wheat plants were exposed to 14°F for two hours. The health of the plants was rated after a recovery in the greenhouse. The plants pre-treated with Headline were significantly healthier than untreated plants (Graph 22).

Graph 21 a&b: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Cold Stress

19.5

19.0

18.5

18.0

17.5

17.0

16.5

Hei

ght

(cm

)

Height

Control Headline

Corn exposed to 50º F for 14 hours, measurements taken 7 DAT, height was statistically significant p=0.05BASF Research Trial

39

38

37

36

35

34

SPA

D U

nits

Chlorophyll Measurement

Control Headline

Wheat exposed to 14º F for 2 hours, ratings made later the same day after recovery in the greenhouseBASF Research Trial

Graph 22: Headline Improves Crop Tolerance to Frost Stress


5

4

3

2

1

0

Num

ber

of

Pla

nts

Per

Po

t

Frost Damage

Viable Plants

b

a

19

Field observations and researchFrost tolerance after Headline® fungicide application is also seen in the field. Two sugar beet field sites that received Headline applications were rated for vigor and frost damage after several frost events. The frost events happened after Headline application (Photo 3). At the Idaho location, the plant vigor with Headline treatment was significantly better across all application dates. The vigor was on average 1.6 units greater than untreated using a 1-10 rating scale (Graph 23a). At the Minnesota location, the plant vigor with Headline treatment was significantly better across all application dates. The vigor was on average 5.3 units greater than untreated using a 1-10 rating scale (Graph 23a). Frost damage was also measured at the Minnesota location (1-5 rating scale), Headline treated plants showed half as much frost damage to their leaves compared to the untreated (Graph 23b). Minnesota

Graph 23 a&b: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Frost – Sugar Beet

a. Crookston, MN and Minikoda, ID, 2006 b. Crookston, MN, 2006

n Control n 8/1-8/14 n 8/15-8/28 n 9/1-9/12

10

8

6

4

2

0Pla

nt V

igo

r R

atin

g (1

-10,

10

Bes

t)

Idaho

n Control n 8/1-8/14 n 8/15-8/28 n 9/1-9/12

5

4

3

2

1

0

Vis

ual F

rost

Dam

age

(1-5

, 5 n

o d

amag

e)

Photo 3: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Frost – Sugar Beet

Minikoda, ID, 2006

Untreated Headline

b

a


Fro

st T

ole

ranc

e 1-

10 S

cale

(1 =

Dea

d, 1

0 =

No

Vis

ible

Fro

st D

amag

e)

Graph 24: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Frost - Mint

Nampa, ID, 2007


8

6

4

2

0M&S Farms Christiansen

FarmsErnest Farms

Photo 4b: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Frost – Mint

Nampa, ID, 2007

Untreated

Headline

In Nampa, ID, three mint field locations that received Headline® fungicide applications were rated for frost damage after several frost events. These frost events occurred after Headline application. The frost tolerance ratings at the three fields were on average 4.1 units greater than untreated using a 1-10 rating scale (Graph 24, Photos 4 a&b).

Untreated

Headline

Photo 4a: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Frost – Mint

21

Headline® Fungicide Improves Tolerance to Heat

Like cold stress, heat stress is linked to increased SOD activity. Nitric oxide is also linked to increasing tolerance to heat. As discussed earlier, Headline applications increase SOD activity and increased the production of nitric oxide by increasing the activity of nitrate reductase. So it is reasonable that Headline applications can improve tolerance to heat.

Greenhouse and laboratory resultsThis improved tolerance to heat with Headline application was studied in the growth chamber and the field. In the growth chamber, wheat plants treated with Headline were able to withstand 14 hours at 104°F significantly better than the controls (Photo 5).

Field observations and researchField trial work in Syria with the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas studied the result of Headline applications on canopy temperature of wheat. Reduced canopy temperature means less water lost and less heat stress. The canopy temperature was measured using thermography. Thermography is a type of imaging that allows differences in temperature to be visualized. Headline treatment reduced the canopy temperature compared to the control in 11 of the 12 wheat varieties tested (Graph 25 & Photo 6).

Photo 6: Thermal Image of Canopy Temperatures

Photo 5: Headline Improved Crop Tolerance to Heat Stress

Graph 25: Headline Reduced Canopy Temperatures That Cause Drought Stress in Plants


25.0

24.5

24.0

23.5

23.0

22.5

Can

op

y Te

mp

erat

ures

(deg

. C)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Wheat Genotypes

International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2007

Wheat plants 11 days after heat stress applied, BASF Research Trial

International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), 2007

HeadlineUntreated


The combination of disease control and physiological effects that lead to the Plant Health benefits of Headline have been described in this report. These positive physiological changes include an increase in nitrate reductase activity, elevated levels of antioxidants and defense signaling compounds, and a decrease in the stress hormone ethylene. These Headline Plant Health benefits may reduce stress on the crop and allow the crop to stay healthy longer. Healthier crops do not prematurely dry down (Photo 7). Headline allows the crop to complete grain fill and reach natural physiological maturity. In crops like corn, wheat, and sunflower, this can also mean an increase in stalk health (standability) that allows one to harvest the crop when they are ready. Rather than chasing corn fields before they lodge, growers can plan and harvest on their timetable in the most efficient manner.

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 with a reduction in stalk rots. Stalk rots affect the movement of nutrients in the plant. Also, stalk lodging can result after stresses such as extreme weather that is too wet or too dry, hail or frost, or poor soil conditions. Crops under stress use proportionally more resources for grain production than for plant growth. Thus they commonly rob resources from the stalk to complete grain fill. This reallocation of resources results in a weaker stalk that is more susceptible to lodging and stalk rot diseases. Headline improves crop standability which ultimately means an easier harvest.

HEADLINE® FUNGICIDE IMPROVES PLANT HEALTH AND HARVESTABILITY

Photo 7: Headline Improved Growth Efficiency and Overall Plant Health

Boody, IL, August 15, 2007

Seymour, IL, August 26, 2008

Untreated Headline

Untreated Headline

23

Field observations and researchLodging data were recorded from 175 on-farm corn trials in 2005 and 2006. The trials were separated into moderate and severe lodging situations. Trials with moderate lodging had less than 10% lodging in the untreated section and trials with severe lodging had more than 10% lodging in the untreated section. In both situa-tions, Headline® fungicide reduced lodging. Where lodging was severe, lodging averaged greater than 25% in the untreated, but less than 10% in plots treated with Headline (Graph 26).

n = 175 on-farm comparisons, 2005 and 2006

Graph 26: Headline Treated Corn Stands Better at Harvest, On-farm Results

n Untreated n Headline

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

% L

od

gin

g

Moderate lodging (<10)

Severelodging (10+)

Photo 8: Headline Treated Corn Stands Better at Harvest

Minden, NE, 2006

Untreated Headline


Reduced lodging after Headline® fungicide application is also seen in other crops. Headline application reduced storm induced lodging in wheat in a grower field in NC (Photo 9). In an on-farm grower sunflower field, Headline treated sunflowers had 0% lodging and yielded 152 lbs/ac more than untreated. The untreated sunflowers had 40% lodging (Photo 10).

Photo 9: Headline Improved Straw Strength and Reduces the Risk of Lodging

Freemont, NC, 2007

Untreated Headline

Photo 10: Headline Improved Stalk Strength – Sunflower

Bismark, ND, 2007

Untreated Headline

25

For years, growers have reported that Headline® fungicide use allows for a faster and less fatiguing harvest. The benefits often have a monetary value. Decreased lodging results in less grain loss at harvest time. Faster harvest also reduces labor, fuel, and equipment costs. For example, it would require an additional 55 hours to harvest 1000 acres of corn if a lodged crop required the operator to slow down just 2 mph (utilizing a combine with an eight row head). Not only would this delay completing harvest by potentially a week or more, but would also increase labor costs since often 2 or more persons are required to operate the combine and haul the grain. In addition to labor costs, the additional 55 hours of operating a combine would require an estimated $2,310 of fuel (14 gal/hr at $3/gal) and $6,600 in equipment costs ($120/hr lease).

Headline provides healthier, less diseased stalks that efficiently transport water and nutrients to leaves and grain. Healthy, less-diseased stalks at harvest result in decreased crop lodging and enable a more efficient harvest.


Notes

27

Notes

BASF Agricultural Products26 Davis DriveResearch Triangle Park, NC 27709USA+1 919-547-2000

Always read and follow label directions.

For more information about Headline and other BASF products please visit: www.agproducts.basf.us

Headline is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation. Stratego is a registered trademark of Bayer.Quadris and Quilt are registered trademarks of Syngenta Group Company©2009 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved. APN-09-01-088-0021

headline fungicide research summaryschertzaerial.com/docs/basf headline plant health research...

Documents