Foliar fungicide cost per acre runs $15–$38 in 2026, plus $12–$20/acre for aerial application or $5–$8/acre for ground. Corn VT/R1 fungicide applications typically cost $22–$45/acre all-in. Soybean R3 applications run $20–$38/acre. University trials show a consistent 5–10 bu/acre corn yield response to VT fungicide — justifying application at $4.50+ corn prices.
Current Signal: HOLD
Year-over-year change: +5–10%
| Market / Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Tebuconazole alone | $8 – $12/acre |
| Trivapro / dual-mode | $18 – $28/acre |
| Aerial application | $12 – $20/acre |
| Corn VT all-in (dual + aerial) | $28 – $48/acre |
The most common fungicide programs pair a triazole (tebuconazole, propiconazole) with a strobilurin (azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin). These dual-mode products (Trivapro, Miravis Neo, Headline AMP) run $18–$28/acre.
Corn disease pressure — especially tar spot in the upper Midwest — has increased fungicide adoption significantly since 2021. Fields in high-risk counties with tar spot history have strong ROI justification even at elevated product prices.
Generic tebuconazole and propiconazole have brought triazole costs down. A tebuconazole-only application costs $8–$12/acre. Adding a strobilurin for dual-mode coverage adds $8–$15/acre.
Corn cannot be ground-applied at VT without yield drag from wheel track damage. Aerial application at $12–$20/acre is the standard. This adds significantly to total fungicide program cost versus soybeans, which can be ground-applied at R3.
At $4.50+ corn, a 5 bu/acre yield response (university trial average) generates $22.50+ revenue. Minus $22–$48/acre all-in fungicide cost, marginal ROI is positive or near breakeven. Fields with high disease pressure, favorable weather, or high yield potential have the strongest justification.
Priaxor (fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin) and Delaro 325 SC (trifloxystrobin + prothioconazole) are top-rated soybean fungicides. Miravis Top (pydiflumetofen + propiconazole) is gaining market share. All run $16–$25/acre.
Aerial application adds $12–$20/acre to fungicide product cost, depending on field size, logistics, and regional custom applicator rates. Larger fields (200+ acres) are typically at the lower end of that range.
VT/R1 (silking) is the agronomically optimal timing. Applications at V8–V10 protect lower leaves but miss the critical ear leaf and ear flag stage. Applications after R1 have diminished ROI.
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