Our Red Crown Rot field research integrates commercial farm environments with highly controlled experimental sites to generate robust, field-relevant data. We conduct trials in commercial fields across Illinois and in two dedicated inoculated research locations — the Orr Research and Extension Center in Pike County and the Crop Sciences Research and Education Center in Champaign County — where disease pressure is carefully established to ensure consistent evaluation.

Across these environments, we assess variety performance under RCR pressure, evaluate fungicide seed treatments, and monitor disease progression throughout the season using standardized rating protocols and drone-based imagery. Trials are designed with seven replicates to account for variability in disease distribution, particularly in commercial settings. At harvest, yield data are collected to directly quantify the agronomic impact of disease and treatment performance under realistic production conditions.