One of the most common questions asked during Practical Farm Research (PFR)® tours this summer was about Xyway™ LFR®. It’s a new atplanting fungicide product from FMC that was tested across our PFR locations in 2021, and it was a study that definitely had my attention throughout the season.

Throughout the course of the growing season, the PFR team and agronomists collected data and photo observations to help tell a story once harvest was complete. Flutriafol is the active ingredient in Xyway LFR. It’s much more mobile and persistent in the soil than any other active ingredient on the market, which is why it’s able to be applied at-planting for seasonlong protection. FMC’s LFR label for products means ‘Liquid Fertilizer Ready’ formulation.

Shortly after planting at the Kentucky PFR location, we noticed that the in-furrow application caused a delay in emergence (about 25 GDUs worth).

Once all the plants within the plot emerged, we evaluated stand counts and found no significant reduction. As the season progressed, we kept a close eye on the Xyway LFR treatments, but also the treatments without Xyway LFR – 5 oz. of Lucento® at the R3 growth stage and an untreated check (control) treatment.

Shortly after tassel emergence, it was apparent that the Xyway LFR treatments had a significant visual difference in overall plant health. The ear leaf had minimal amounts of Grey Leaf Spot, which had started to take over the lower canopy on other studies at the Kentucky location. The stalks seemed very strong, and we were anticipating great results once the combine rolled through at harvest time.

Around the R3 to R4 growth stages, Southern Rust moved in hot and heavy. This is a foliar disease that flutrifol has no protection against. It can significantly reduce plant health and overall yield. Visually, the Xyway LFR treatments seemed to hold until around this time; however, once Southern Rust moved in, it was game over. See the visual responses below.

With the plant health visual ratings we observed, it’s a study we are eager to test again next year. At-planting fungicides open the door for several opportunities. Putting it on every single row, without missing spots in the field due to power lines or trees, is one major benefit.

One of the downfalls of an early-season (V4 growth stage) application of traditional fungicides is that they only last 24 to 48 days. Thus, a positive return on investment is dependent on the disease pressure present at that time. Flutriafol is persistent long into the growing season and there is still a good place for it on many acres.

Come on a tour with Beck’s next summer to check it out in-season!

Beck's - Farmers At Heart® - revolutionized the customer seed buying experience by remaining true to a foundation built on faith, family, and farming. Founded in 1937, Beck's appreciates the farmers who have helped them become the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third largest seed brand in the United States. The Beck family is now in its fifth generation of family members who work in the business to honor God and help farmers succeed. The Beck family and team of employees help farmers achieve success from generation to generation through authentic customer experiences, product diversity, seed quality, and performance. With a home office located in Atlanta, Ind., Beck's serves farmers throughout the Midwest and Mid-South. For more information about Beck's Superior Hybrids, Inc., visit www.beckshybrids.com.