Targeted liquid delivery of fungicides: a new tool for Rhizoctonia root rot control

Paul Bogacki 1, Jack Desbiolles 2, Ray Correll 3, Daniel Hüberli 4, Bill MacLeod 4 and Alan McKay 1 
1 South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI); 2 University of South Australia; 3 Rho Environmetrics Pty Ltd; 4Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA)

Key messages
• This three year trial program contributed to Uniform® and EverGol® Prime being recently registered for Rhizoctonia root rot control using liquid banding applications. Uniform® (RRP: not set at time of printing) is registered for liquid application in-furrow and on the soil surface, whereas EverGol® Prime (RRP: $145/L) is registered for liquid application in-furrow only.
• Uniform® banding treatments had better efficacy than Vibrance® seed treatment. Banding treatments were associated with more significant and bigger yield responses, with dual banding of Uniform® in-furrow 3-4 cm below the seed and on the surface behind the press wheel giving the most consistent yield and root health responses across seasons.
• Yield responses achieved by banding EverGol® Prime in-furrow were not significantly different from EverGol® Prime seed treatments. However, banding in-furrow combined with seed treatment significantly improved root health compared to banding in-furrow or seed treatment alone.