New AI powered tool helps corn growers optimize fungicide timing
Pioneer® has introduced a new Fungicide Timing Solution designed to help corn growers make better decisions about when to apply fungicides. The integrated system uses advanced data analysis, crop genetics, and modern fungicide technology to improve disease control and protect crop yield potential.
Managing foliar diseases in corn fields can be challenging. Weather conditions, disease pressure, and field variability often change quickly during the growing season. Because of these uncertainties, many farmers rely on traditional schedules to apply fungicides. However, applications made too early or too late may reduce effectiveness and lower return on investment.
The new Fungicide Timing Solution aims to solve this problem by combining three key components. These include the Granular Insights Fungicide Timing tool powered by artificial intelligence, Pioneer® brand corn hybrids with strong disease tolerance, and Corteva’s Forcivo™ fungicide.
“The Fungicide Timing tool uses advanced data science and AI analytics to predict disease onset and identify the optimal spray window based on specific field conditions,” said Trenton Brisby, Agronomy Innovation Marketing Manager. “At a time when every application must deliver a positive return, Corteva is offering a precision agriculture solution that helps growers better manage disease risk and maximize ROI potential.”
The digital Fungicide Timing tool analyzes multiple factors to evaluate disease risk throughout the season. It uses localized weather data, field conditions, farm management practices, and hybrid disease tolerance information to determine when fungicide applications will be most effective. By providing field specific recommendations, the tool helps growers replace general calendar-based spraying with more accurate timing decisions.
“For 100 years, Pioneer® has been committed to providing its customers with hybrids that provide elite genetics and disease tolerance combined with the agronomic support to maximize yield potential,” said Brandon Walter, U.S. Portfolio Marketing Leader – Pioneer® Corn. “Expert agronomic advice is part of the Pioneer® experience, and the Fungicide Timing Solution is the latest example of how we continue to help customers achieve more bushels per acre and higher ROI on their farms.”
Another important part of the solution is Pioneer® corn genetics. Pioneer® hybrids are bred to provide strong tolerance against common foliar diseases. This genetic resistance slows disease development and protects crop performance under different environmental conditions. Improved tolerance also helps farmers maintain crop health and extend the effective window for fungicide applications.
The third component is Forcivo™ fungicide, which offers three different modes of action for controlling corn diseases. The product provides broad spectrum protection and long-lasting activity. When applied during the recommended timing window, it helps protect plants during key growth stages and supports higher yield potential.
“Forcivo™ fungicide brings multiple modes of action that work together with both curative and preventative activity to help shield plants from damaging diseases, so crops can reach their greatest yield potential,” said Madison Riggle, U.S. Portfolio Marketing Leader, Row Crop Fungicides. “With Forcivo™, the Fungicide Timing tool, and Pioneer® brand hybrids, farmers gain a precision‑enabled approach to disease prevention that represents a paradigm shift in how to manage northern corn leaf blight and gray leaf spot.”
Early trials have shown promising results. Field tests conducted across several Midwest locations reported yield advantages of about five to ten bushels per acre when fungicides were applied according to the tool’s recommendations. Researchers also found that fungicide applications guided by the system were twice as likely to deliver a measurable return on investment compared with conventional timing methods.
The Fungicide Timing Solution is available to qualifying Pioneer® customers who purchase Corteva fungicides through local retailers. The technology will also be presented at industry events where growers can learn more about how data science, advanced genetics, and crop protection products are shaping the future of corn disease management.
Photo Credit: Pioneer-logo