Yield Response to Crop/Genotype Rotations and Fungicide Use to Manage Fusarium‐related Diseases

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cropping systems of the Midwest have led to increased selection pressure on diseases caused by Fusarium pathogens. A field experiment was conducted from 2010 to 2012 near Arlington, WI, to identify interactions among disease management practices (crop rotation, host resistance, and fungicide use) that increase corn, soybean, and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields. For corn grain, significant interactions were primarily driven by crop rotation. Highest corn yields across all 3 yr were observed in the corn–soybean–wheat (CSW) rotation (13.55 Mg ha−1). Corn silage yield was influenced by cultivar rotation, with highest yields displayed by the Fusarium‐susceptible rotations (susceptible followed by susceptible followed by susceptible [SSS] and susceptible followed by susceptible followed by resistant [SSR]). Soybean yields were influenced by interactions involving crop rotation and cultivar rotation. Highest soybean yields were found for crop rotations containing wheat and ranged from 5.1 to 8.4% higher than the corn alternated annually with soybean (CS) rotation. The Fusarium‐resistant (resistant followed by resistant followed by resistant [RRR]) cultivar rotation (4.14 Mg ha−1) yielded 3.0% better than the next highest rotation (SSR). Crop rotation, cultivar selection, and fungicide use were all key drivers for wheat yield. Highest yields on average were observed in the CSW rotation (5.62 Mg ha−1). The Fusarium head blight (FHB)–susceptible cultivar (5.50 Mg ha−1) yielded significantly higher compared to the resistant cultivar (4.89 Mg ha−1), and fungicide use increased yield in the susceptible cultivar 7.2% (5.31 to 5.69 Mg ha−1) but not for the resistant cultivar. Although interactions were not consistent for all three crops, our results suggest growers should begin with combining a high‐yield‐potential cultivar, regardless of its susceptibility or resistance to Fusarium pathogens, in a CSW crop rotation to maximize yield potential when managing Fusarium‐related diseases.

Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Yield Response to Crop Rotation, Nitrogen Rates, and Foliar Fungicide Application

“…A corn grain yield increase for CS, CSW, and CWS compared with CC has also been reported in several studies (Peterson and Varvel, 1989a, 1989b; Pedersen and Lauer, 2002, 2003; Gaudin et al, 2015; Mourtzinis et al, 2017). However, Marburger et al (2015a), in a previous 3‐yr study within the currently examined long‐term crop rotation experiment, found no yield difference between CC and CS rotations. Additionally, no corn grain yield benefit in the CSW rotation compared with CWS and CS in all 3 yr is in further agreement with Lund et al (1993).…”

“…In studies in Wisconsin and Nebraska, corn and soybean in rotation resulted in 18 and 38% greater corn yields and 13% greater soybean yields, respectively, than when grown continuously (Pedersen and Lauer, 2003; Peterson and Varvel, 1989a, 1989b). Similarly, a recent study reported an 8% yield increase for soybean grown in yearly rotation with corn in Wisconsin (Marburger et al, 2015a), whereas another study showed that yearly crop rotation increased yield of both corn and soybean when compared with continuous cropping by up to 20 and 22%, respectively (Mourtzinis et al, 2017).…”

Agronomic and Economic Benefits of Rotating Corn with Soybean and Spring Wheat under Different Tillage in Eastern Canada

“…Our results agree with soybean yields reported in Iowa and Nebraska after 2 consecutive years of corn (Al‐Kaisi et al, 2016; Farmaha et al, 2016). In addition, several studies indicated that, in most situations, soybean grain yield was improved (+0.40 Mg ha −1 on average) when the C‐S rotation was diversified with winter wheat (Gaudin et al, 2015b; Marburger et al, 2015; Kazula and Lauer, 2018). However, Morrison et al (2018) did not observe any increase in soybean grain yield with a C‐S rotation that included spring wheat.…”

Crop Rotation and Management Effect on Fusarium spp. Populations

“…To examine interactions among multiple disease management practices, a comprehensive study was designed and implemented to meet two objectives: (i) identify possible combinations of practices which could reduce risk of disease development by decreasing Fusarium spp. populations (current study) and (ii) quantify the effect of combinations of these practices on yield (Marburger et al, 2014). This paper will focus on the first objective in which the effect of crop rotation and management (i.e., variety selection and fungicide use) on F. graminearum , F. oxysporum , and F. virguliforme populations in the soil was examined.…”