PRACTICES

Protect soybean yield potential with seed treatments

Deep in the soil profile are plant pathogens, plant-parasitic nematodes and insects quietly lurking, waiting to attack and feed on seedling roots. These unseen pests can negatively impact stand establishment and plant growth.

“Researchers representing about 29 states in the U.S. plus Canada from 2015 to 2019 found that seedling diseases caused a 236-million-bushel reduction in yield across that five-year span,” says Kenny Seebold, senior director of field research and development. “And soybean cyst nematode accounted for a 566-million-bushel loss.”

Seed treatments can help stop soilborne pathogens and pests from reducing yield and protect growers’ seed investments.

“The largest investment a producer makes is in seed, no matter the crop, so spending the money for a seed protectant is vitally important,” says Will Griffin, row crop segment manager for Valent U.S.A. “It’s about starting off clean from a disease and insect standpoint and giving that crop the best chance to establish and grow.”

Seed protectants, including INTEGO® Fungicide Soybeans and Aveo® EZ Nematicide, help plants emerge strong and healthy.

INTEGO Fungicide Soybeans is a fungicide-only seed protection option that delivers advanced control of Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, helping protect against key soilborne diseases.

INTEGO includes three active ingredients, including a proprietary active ingredient with a unique mode of action. This combination provides effective disease control and helps manage resistance issues where traditional phenylamide chemistries may be less effective.

“Having a unique mode of action is important because where resistance may exist, our ethaboxam active ingredient is not affected,” Seebold says. “Multiple modes of action also help manage resistance and improve overall control.”

An unseen yield drain

The impact of seedling disease is often visible in young plants, but nematode damage can be much harder to detect.

Seebold refers to nematodes as silent yield robbers. “You can have significant nematode pressure without obvious above-ground symptoms. Often, the only sign is reduced yield,” he says.

“Nematodes won’t necessarily kill stands, but they damage root systems and limit yield potential,” Seebold adds. “Soybean cyst nematode is the most widespread issue across the U.S.”

Aveo is a biological nematicide that colonizes plant roots and provides season-long protection against nematode feeding.

“Aveo has a low use rate — about one-tenth of an ounce per acre — and integrates easily into seed treatment programs,” Griffin says. “It’s compatible with other products, including fungicides, insecticides and inoculants.”

Because nothing can be done once nematodes infect plant roots, early protection is critical.

Griffin recommends soil testing to understand nematode populations and tailor management strategies.

“Producers have relied on varietal resistance, but research is showing that some of these traits are beginning to break down,” he says.

“Know your numbers,” Seebold adds. “Soybean cyst nematode is the most important, but other nematodes like root-knot can also be significant depending on region. Soil testing is the only way to truly understand what you’re dealing with.”

To learn more about how seed treatments can protect your crop, visit the INTEGO product page, the Aveo product page or contact a Valent sales representative.

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