The overwintering success of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) along with heightened awareness of soil spatial variabilities have growers focusing more on season-long soil nutrient availability. Field trials were initiated in Richville and Lansing, MI to evaluate the effects of autumn starter, spring nitrogen (N), and varietal stature on winter wheat plant growth, grain yield, and expected net return. Application of autumn starter (i.e., mid and high treatments compared to no autumn starter) increased grain and straw yield in all site years. Autumn starter and spring N applications indicate above-recommended spring N did not compensate for the lack of autumn-applied starter during establishment. Mid-rate autumn starter was the most economical option under the current environmental conditions to maximize grain and straw yield in soft red and white winter wheat. When fertilizing for straw production, varieties may respond to greater rates of autumn starter, but yield increases did not result in increased profitability. One of the more severe foliar pathogens capable of causing damage to sugarbeet is Cercospora beticola, the causal pathogen of Cercospora leaf spot (CLS). When not managed appropriately, CLS can reduce sugarbeet yield 40%. Management strategies including boron (B)-containing compounds have shown to have fungistatic properties with the ability to reduce disease severity in the field. Field studies were established to investigate the effects of foliar applied B on sugarbeet plant health and CLS disease severity. Application of foliar B did not reduce CLS in field environments across site years. Complementary in vitro studies were conducted to test B effects on C. beticola mycelial growth. Cercospora beticola EC50 values were 772-876 mg kg-1 for sodium tetraborate. Reduced control options, increased CLS resistance, and increase B requirement of sugarbeet enhance the need for further evaluation of alternative control. In-field evaluation of various B timing, increased B concentration, and addition of B-containing compounds may contribute to future CLS control.
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