A Quantitative Synthesis of the Efficacy and Profitability of Conventional and Biological Fungicides for Botrytis Fruit Rot Management on Strawberry in Florida

Botrytis fruit rot (BFR) is a major disease that affects strawberry production in Florida and worldwide. BFR management relies on frequent fungicide applications. A meta-analysis was conducted on the outcomes from nine field trials to evaluate the efficacy and profitability of conventional and biological fungicides compared with a nontreated control (NTC). All trials were conducted in Florida between the 2005/06 and 2016/17 growing seasons. Fungicide treatments were applied weekly, and plots were harvested twice a week for yield and BFR incidence quantification. Treatments were grouped into four categories: NTC, multisite only (Thiram), Standard (captan alternated with fludioxonil + cyprodinil), and Bacillus. Following primary analyses, a random effects network meta-analytical model was fitted to estimate the mean yield and BFR incidence responses for each treatment group and to compare means between pairs of groups. The Thiram and the Standard treatment groups increased yield by 378.8 and 502.2 kg/ha/week, respectively, compared with the NTC. The yield difference between Bacillus and NTC was not statistically significant. Besides increasing yield, Thiram and Standard also reduced BFR incidence by approximately 10% compared with the NTC. The mean yield responses and among-study variability from the meta-analysis were used to estimate the probability of a given yield response in a new future trial. The Standard and Thiram treatment groups showed higher estimated probabilities of increasing yield and resulting in a profitable return on application investments than the Bacillus group of treatments. The results from this study provide growers with information that will aid their decision-making process regarding BFR management.

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Meta-analysis of soybean yield response to foliar fungicides evaluated from 2005 to 2018 in the United States and Canada

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis-07-20-1578-re ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yuba Raj Kandel ◽

Catherine L. Hunt ◽

Keith A Ames ◽

Nicholas Arneson ◽

Carl Bradley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

The United States ◽

Field Trials ◽

Yield Response ◽

Application Date ◽

Economic Analyses ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Yield Responses ◽

Spray Control

Random-effect meta-analyses were performed on data from 240 field trials conducted between 2005 and 2018 across nine U.S. states and Ontario, Canada, to quantify the yield response of soybean after application of foliar fungicides at beginning pod (R3). Meta-analysis showed that the overall mean yield response when fungicide was used compared to not applying a fungicide was 2.7% (110 kg/ha). Moderator variables were also investigated and included fungicide group, growing season, planting date, and base yield, which all significantly influenced the yield response. There was also evidence that precipitation from the time of planting to the R3 growth stage influenced yield when fungicide was used (P = 0.059). Fungicides containing a premix of active ingredients from multiple groups (either two or three ingredients) increased the yield by 3.0% over not applying a fungicide. The highest and lowest yield responses were observed in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Better yield response to fungicides (a 3.0% increase) occurred when soybeans were planted not later than 21 May and when total precipitation between planting and the R3 application date was above historic averages. Temperatures during the season did not influence the yield response . Yield response to fungicide was higher (a 4.7% increase) in average yield category (no spray control yield 2878 to 3758 kg/ha) and then gradually decreased with increasing base yield. Partial economic analyses indicated that use of foliar fungicides is less likely to be profitable when foliar diseases are absent or at low levels.

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Can Superabsorbent Polymers Improve Plants Production in Arid Regions?

Advances in Polymer Technology ◽

10.1155/2020/7124394 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Mohsen Jahan ◽

Mehdi Nassiri Mahallati

Keyword(s):

Seed Yield ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Arid Regions ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Yield Response ◽

General Question ◽

Superabsorbent Polymers ◽

Application Rates ◽

Grassland Plants ◽

The Mean

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have shown to be quite effective and useful in acting as a reservoir for water and some nutrients in arid and semiarid regions. There are many studies in Iran that have been performed in relation to SAPs and their useful application in agriculture; however, there is still a lack of its applied definition in arid regions. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of doing a meta-analysis of the results of studies conducted in Iran and answering a general question about whether the application of SAPs has been effective in enhancing the production or not, and if so, how much of SAP is recommended. To conduct this research, articles published during 2006–2016 on the subject of the effects of different rates of SAP application on yield and yield components of crops (including cereals, legumes, and medicinal and grassland plants) were investigated. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the mean consumption rate of SAPs for cereals, legumes, and medicinal and grassland plants was 83, 322, 1031, and 210 kg ha−1, respectively, and that, at these SAP application rates, the mean seed yield in cereals, medicinal plants, and legumes increased by 15.2, 12.6, and 38% (equivalent to 1059, 345, and 452 kg ha−1), respectively, compared with the control. Dry matter response to superabsorbent application was slower compared with the seed yield response. The mean consumption of 83 kg ha−1 of superabsorbent for cereals increased seed yield by 15.2% on average. According to the results, it seems that the application of 100 kg SAP ha−1 is the most appropriate rate for increasing seed and dry matter yields and satisfying economic aspects. These study findings may shed light on the environment and socioeconomic concerns and improve efficacy and reduction of costs.

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Meta-Analysis of Yield Response of Hybrid Field Corn to Foliar Fungicides in the U.S. Corn Belt

Phytopathology ◽

10.1094/phyto-03-11-0091 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 101 (9) ◽

pp. 1122-1132 ◽

Cited By ~ 65

Author(s):

P. A. Paul ◽

L. V. Madden ◽

C. A. Bradley ◽

A. E. Robertson ◽

G. P. Munkvold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

The United States ◽

Yield Response ◽

Foliar Disease ◽

Yield Increase ◽

Field Corn ◽

Yield Difference ◽

Meta Analyses

The use of foliar fungicides on field corn has increased greatly over the past 5 years in the United States in an attempt to increase yields, despite limited evidence that use of the fungicides is consistently profitable. To assess the value of using fungicides in grain corn production, random-effects meta-analyses were performed on results from foliar fungicide experiments conducted during 2002 to 2009 in 14 states across the United States to determine the mean yield response to the fungicides azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, propiconazole + trifloxystrobin, and propiconazole + azoxystrobin. For all fungicides, the yield difference between treated and nontreated plots was highly variable among studies. All four fungicides resulted in a significant mean yield increase relative to the nontreated plots (P < 0.05). Mean yield difference was highest for propiconazole + trifloxystrobin (390 kg/ha), followed by propiconazole + azoxystrobin (331 kg/ha) and pyraclostrobin (256 kg/ha), and lowest for azoxystrobin (230 kg/ha). Baseline yield (mean yield in the nontreated plots) had a significant effect on yield for propiconazole + azoxystrobin (P < 0.05), whereas baseline foliar disease severity (mean severity in the nontreated plots) significantly affected the yield response to pyraclostrobin, propiconazole + trifloxystrobin, and propiconazole + azoxystrobin but not to azoxystrobin. Mean yield difference was generally higher in the lowest yield and higher disease severity categories than in the highest yield and lower disease categories. The probability of failing to recover the fungicide application cost (ploss) also was estimated for a range of grain corn prices and application costs. At the 10-year average corn grain price of $0.12/kg ($2.97/bushel) and application costs of $40 to 95/ha, ploss for disease severity <5% was 0.55 to 0.98 for pyraclostrobin, 0.62 to 0.93 for propiconazole + trifloxystrobin, 0.58 to 0.89 for propiconazole + azoxystrobin, and 0.91 to 0.99 for azoxystrobin. When disease severity was >5%, the corresponding probabilities were 0.36 to 95, 0.25 to 0.69, 0.25 to 0.64, and 0.37 to 0.98 for the four fungicides. In conclusion, the high ploss values found in most scenarios suggest that the use of these foliar fungicides is unlikely to be profitable when foliar disease severity is low and yield expectation is high.

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Dry matter yield response of pasture grass to application of Nemafos (thionazin).

Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.18174/njas.v20i2.17288 ◽

1972 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 81-96

Author(s):

G.C. Ennik

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Field Trials ◽

Yield Response ◽

Favourable Effect ◽

Direct Stimulation ◽

Pasture Grass ◽

Yield Responses ◽

Better Than ◽

Main Factor ◽

Stimulation Of

Results of several field trials on the response of permanent grass swards and of sown swards with and without clover to application of thionazin (as Nemafos) at about 8 ml/m2 before each cut are described. Where N was the main factor limiting growth, plots with Nemafos grew better than the controls because of an increase in available soil N. At high levels of N, growth was improved because of direct stimulation of regrowth after cutting. Nemafos had a favourable effect, which lasted longer with successive cuts, on the development and vigour of tillers. The yield responses were unrelated to control of nematodes. [See also HbA 39, 422]. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

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CORN RESPONSE TO RESIDUAL N FROM UREA AND MANURES APPLIED IN PREVIOUS YEARS

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/cjss87-088 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 67 (4) ◽

pp. 931-942 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

E. G. BEAUCHAMP

Keyword(s):

Poultry Manure ◽

Field Trials ◽

Yield Response ◽

Research Station ◽

Chemical Fertilizers ◽

Potential Yield ◽

Decay Series ◽

Residual N ◽

Second Year ◽

Yield Responses

The response of corn (Zea mays L.) to residual N from several manures and urea was determined in the first and second years following application. Grain yields were obtained from six field trials conducted over a 12-yr period at the Elora Research Station. Manures or urea were applied at several rates during 1 or more years followed by 2 yr (3 yr for one trial) of yield measurements when N treatments were not applied. During the years when corn grain yield response to residual N was determined, one-half of each plot received 120 kg N ha−1 as anhydrous ammonia. This provided a potential yield which was used to evaluate a residual "organic manure" effect or the effect of manure in increasing yields over those obtained only with chemical fertilizers including N. The results indicated that yield responses from residual N from liquid dairy cattle manure and solid beef manure were considerably lower than that from liquid poultry manure and urea in the first year. In the second year there was only a small response from residual N from any of the sources. These results were used to formulate a "decay series" which agreed generally with several published decay series in that response to residual N decreased in a curvilinear manner. Residual N appeared to be less available than predicted by published decay series especially after the second year. There was no clear evidence in this study that manures provided an additional "organic manuring" effect of increasing yields over those obtained only with chemical fertilizers. Key words: Residual manure N, organic manuring effects, decay series

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Relationship between climate and relative performance of cotton in New South Wales

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar9860023 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 23 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

NJ Thomson

Keyword(s):

New South ◽

New South Wales ◽

Field Trials ◽

Maximum Temperature ◽

Total Rainfall ◽

Growing Seasons ◽

South Wales ◽

Rate Maximum ◽

Dry Conditions ◽

The Mean

Cumulative day-degrees, total rainfall and the mean daily values for evaporation rate, maximum temperature, minimum temperature and radiation for a period of 200 days from 1 October to 18 April were used to characterize the climates of cotton-growing seasons at Narrabri (30�S.), N.S.W. Yields (expressed as percentages of standards) of some cultivars included in field trials in cotton-growing districts of New South Wales, were then regressed on these climatic indices. In a number of cases strong, significant linear associations of performance with one or more of the indices were found. Such cultivars were either more or less advantaged by warm, dry conditions than the standards, and vice versa for cool, wet conditions. The implications of these results in studies of genotype x environmental interaction are discussed.

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The effect of fallowing on the yield of wheat. II. The effect on grain yield

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar9780669 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 669 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

RJ French

Keyword(s):

Water Supply ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Water Use ◽

Nitrate Nitrogen ◽

Yield Response ◽

Grain Production ◽

Fallow Soil ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

The Mean ◽

Yield Responses

The effect of fallowing on wheat yields is reported for a South Australian environment where 62% of the variation in yield is ascribed to water supply and where water use efficiency in grain production ranges from 1 to 11 kg/ha/mm. The mean yield response from a fallow (initial tillage 9 months before sowing) compared with a non-fallow (tillage 2 months before sowing) in 28 seasonal, site and fertility situations was 335 kg/ha and the maximum 875 kg/ha. Each additional millimetre of water stored through fallowing gave on average 8 kg grain per ha. Only fine-textured soils stored considerable water through fallowing. The additional nitrate in fallow gave yield responses when the non-fallow soil contained less than 70 kg nitrate nitrogen per ha, but only when water use by the crop exceeded 230 mm. The results are related to responses to fallowing obtained in other wheat-growing districts in Australia.

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Meta-analysis of rare binary events in treatment groups with unequal variability

Statistical Methods in Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0962280217721246 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 263-274 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Lie Li ◽

Xinlei Wang

Keyword(s):

Random Effects ◽

Mean Squared Error ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effects Model ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Continuity Correction ◽

Large Samples ◽

Squared Error ◽

The Mean ◽

Simple Average

Meta-analysis has been widely used to synthesize information from related studies to achieve reliable findings. However, in studies of rare events, the event counts are often low or even zero, and so standard meta-analysis methods such as fixed-effect models with continuity correction may cause substantial bias in estimation. Recently, Bhaumik et al. developed a simple average estimator for the overall treatment effect based on a random effects model. They proved that the simple average method with the continuity correction factor 0.5 (SA_0.5) is the least biased for large samples and showed via simulation that it has superior performance when compared with other commonly used estimators. However, the random effects models used in previous work are restrictive because they all assume that the variability in the treatment group is equal to or always greater than that in the control group. Under a general framework that explicitly allows treatment groups with unequal variability but assumes no direction, we prove that SA_0.5 is still the least biased for large samples. Meanwhile, to account for a trade-off between the bias and variance in estimation, we consider the mean squared error to assess estimation efficiency and show that SA_0.5 fails to minimize the mean squared error. Under a new random effects model that accommodates groups with unequal variability, we thoroughly compare the performance of various methods for both large and small samples via simulation and draw conclusions about when to use which method in terms of bias, mean squared error, type I error, and confidence interval coverage. A data example of rosiglitazone meta-analysis is used to provide further comparison.

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Temporal and regional performance of dual and triple premixes for soybean rust management in Brazil: A meta-analysis update

10.31219/osf.io/g94yn ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jhonatan Paulo Barro ◽

Kaique Santos Alves ◽

Cláudia V. Godoy ◽

Alfredo R. Dias ◽

Carlos A. Forcelini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Soybean Rust ◽

Yield Response ◽

Time Period ◽

Yield Difference ◽

Regional Performance ◽

Quinone Outside Inhibitors

Soybean rust in Brazil is currently controlled with several commercial premixes composed of demethylation-inhibitors (EPOXiconazole, CYPRoconazole, PROThioconazole, TEBUconazole), quinone-outside inhibitors (AZOXystrobin, TriFLoXystrobin, PYRAclostrobin, PICOxystrobin), and succinate demethylation inhibitors (BENZovindiflupyr, BIXaFen, FLUXapyroxad). We updated results on the performance of eight premixes evaluated in 177 cooperative trials conducted in 46 locations across 10 states during six crop seasons (2015 to 2020). All treatments were sprayed three times starting at R1 or R2. Percent control (C, %), from back-transforming meta-analytic estimates of the log of the ratio ranged from 56.2% (PICO + CYPR) to 76.8% (BIXF + TFLX + PROT). Estimates of mean yield difference (D, kg/ha) between fungicide-treated and untreated plots were greatest for BIXF + TFLX + PROT (1,080) followed by PICO + BENZ (1,010), PYRA + EPOX + FLUX (981.5), AZOX + BENZ (910), TFLX + PROT (891), PICO + TEBU (682), TFLX + CYPR (646) and PICO + CYPR (600). Significant declines in both C and D in a time period as short as four years were detected for AZOX + BENZ (35.3%; 550 kg/ha) and PICO + BENZ (15.5%; 359.8 kg/ha). Variance in D was partially reduced by the inclusion of baseline disease as covariate. In trials where baseline disease was ≥70%, yield was 250 kg/ha greater compared to low baseline disease. Disease control and yield response were generally better in the Southeast, where the frequency of profitable scenarios was 30% higher on average than in the Northwest. Results of this meta-analysis are critical to support decisions during planning fungicide programs.

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Meta-Analysis of a Web-Based Disease Forecast System for Control of Anthracnose and Botrytis Fruit Rots of Strawberry in Southeastern United States

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis-04-17-0477-re ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 101 (11) ◽

pp. 1910-1917 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Leandro G. Cordova ◽

Laurence V. Madden ◽

Achour Amiri ◽

Guido Schnabel ◽

Natalia A. Peres

Keyword(s):

South Carolina ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Fruit Rot ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Colletotrichum Acutatum ◽

Web Based ◽

The Mean ◽

Disease Forecast ◽

The Difference ◽

Marketable Fruit

Strawberry production in Florida and South Carolina is affected by two major diseases, anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) and Botrytis fruit rot (BFR), caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and Botrytis cinerea, respectively. The effective management of both diseases traditionally relied on weekly fungicide applications. However, to improve timing and reduce the number of fungicide sprays, many growers follow the Strawberry Advisory System (StAS), a decision support system for forecasting fungicide applications based on environmental conditions and previously developed models. The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of the StAS for AFR and BFR management compared with a calendar-based spray program. Thirty-nine trials were conducted from 2009 to 2014 in Florida and South Carolina commercial strawberry fields. Meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the treatment effects on four effect sizes, all based on the difference in response variables for StAS and the calendar-based treatments in each trial. The mean difference in BFR incidence, AFR incidence, yield, and number of marketable fruit between the two treatments was not significantly different from 0 (P < 0.05). However, the number of fungicide applications per season was reduced by a median of seven when using the StAS, a 50% reduction in sprays compared with the calendar-based approach. Effect sizes were not influenced by location or the favorability of the environment for disease development. These findings indicate that use of StAS in commercial fields is effective in controlling fruit rot diseases with no reduction in yield while substantially reducing fungicide applications.

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