Application technology is a major factor for the success of crops because it determines the correct application of pesticides. The experiment was carried out in Mandaguari Farm (Indianópolis Municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil). The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with 13 treatments and 4 replicates. Treatments consisted of 4 nozzles (TT, AD / D, ADIA / D, empty cone) and 3 spray mix volumes (100, 150 and 200 L ha-1), besides control. The aim of this work was to study nozzles and to set the suitable volume of fungicide application for the rational disease management in maize crop. Disease severity, drops cm-2, green area percentage, 1000-grain weight, and yield were evaluated; an economic analysis was done for the latter. As regards leaf spot caused by fungi of the genus Stenocarpella, all treatments were superior to the control. The nozzle ADIA received the smallest quantity of drops cm-2 in the plant bottom. All treatments were superior to the control regarding green area percentage.All treatments led to increased 1000-grain weight relative to control showing the direct relationship between disease control and grain filling. The highest yield was obtained when 100 L ha-1 was used in all evaluated nozzles. The economic analysis demonstrated the feasibility of fungicide application to ensure sustainability in maize production.
Zea mays; Chemical control; Application technology
