Performance of spray nozzles to control fusarium head blight and mycotoxin in the barley crop

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the performance of spray nozzles to control fusarium head blight (FHB) and mycotoxins in barley grains. The barley cultivar used in the test was ‘BRS Aliansa’, with a density of 300 plants m-2. Fungicide applications were performed using a mechanized set formed by a sprayer (Jacto, model Falcon Vortex) and a tractor (Massey Ferguson, Model 283). The spray volume used was 150 L ha-1. The nozzles used were single fan, single fan with air induction, hollow cone and double fan. The assay was performed in strips, totaling an area of 350 m2 and the variables yield and concentration of mycotoxin in the grains were determined along the strips. The data were submitted to descriptive statistics; the results were compared by F test and the means were compared by Dunnett test, both at a minimum significance level of 0.05. The nozzle TurboDrop TD02 caused reduction of 9.18% in the mycotoxin concentrations in barley grains. There was significant difference in yield when specific control was performed for FHB and improved quality of the product