Objectives
The objective of this project was to demonstrate and evaluate the efficacy of newer fungicides registered in flax with varying, and, in some cases, multiple modes of action compared to older options. Fungicides included in this project were Headline EC (older fungicide), Proline 480 SC (older fungicide), Acapela (newer), Dyax (newer), and Veltyma (newer fungicide).
Project Description
In this project, applications of five fungicides registered for flax (Headline EC, Proline 480 SC, Acapela, Dyax, and Veltyma) were compared to an untreated/unsprayed control to evaluate their efficacy and effect on disease control, days to maturity, yield, lodging, and test weight of harvested flaxseed. Small-plot, randomized trials were conducted at IHARF (Indian Head, SK) and NARF (Melfort, SK) in 2024. CDC Glas was grown at each location and disease ratings were done pre- and post-fungicide product applications. The trials were established successfully at both sites, but hot and dry weather in July resulted in lack of disease and hastened crop maturity. Consequently, there was no response of fungicide applications or products on disease severity or control. A significant difference between days to maturity was seen at Melfort, where the application of Headline EC delayed flax maturity by 2 days compared to the unsprayed control and the application of Proline 480 SC. However, yield and test weight of harvested flaxseed were not affected by treatments of fungicides at either site. Results suggest that fungicide choice is irrelevant in a year when weather conditions are not conducive to disease development.
Grower Benefits
The demonstration was conducted successfully at both Melfort and Indian Head locations in 2024 with successful establishment of flax plots, proper timing of fungicide applications, and timely collection of data throughout the field season. However, due to low disease pressure and hot and dry weather conditions in July during flowering, results were not statistically significant between the treatments of unsprayed control and 5 fungicide products for disease, yield, and harvested seed quality of flax. Only days to maturity at Melfort was affected by treatment, and the application of Headline EC delayed maturity by 2 days compared to the unsprayed control and the application of Proline 480 SC. These results suggest that during a hot and dry growing season when no disease is observed, fungicide choice might not lead to significant differences in yield or test weight of harvested flaxseed compared to the unsprayed control.
