Blight, rust and a variety of fungus-related diseases can be a problem for growers, especially those raising vegetables, fruits and ornamentals.
Fungicides are available to effectively combat such diseases. But application - providing complete coverage of both foliage and soil surface with minimal damage to delicate plants - can be a challenge.
Chemigation has proven to be an effective means of applying fungicide for many growers. Peanut farmers in the southeast U.S. and vegetable growers in the northwest and north central have utilized the technology rather extensively.
And, word about fungigation is spreading.
In a recent bulletin from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service on growing pumpkins and winter squash, a horticulturist said, "Fungigation - application of fungicides through the irrigation system - may be the best way to get fungicides applied without damage to foliage."
Harm to the foliage can be either physical or chemical. Plants can be crushed and torn by application equipment. They can also be injured if the fungicide solution is too strong.
Fungigation protects plants on both counts.
Application through center pivot, side roll, or hand move irrigation eliminates trips through the field with spraying equipment. And a modern chemigation system can deliver precise amounts of fungicide to infected plants that is strong enough to do the job but diluted enough to avoid foliage damage.
With proper operation, a fungigation system can focus application on the foliage, the soil, or both - whichever is preferred. Faster speed with a pivot system and shorter sets with a linear move will deposit most of the fungicide on the plant's leaves. With slower speed and longer sets, the majority of the chemical will be applied to the soil.
Fungigation is just one more way today's fluid application technology is being put to work.