Syngenta Thrive

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For many corn growers, 2025 was a tough year for foliar diseases, as unrelenting rain and high humidity levels fueled extraordinary pathogen pressure. One notable anomaly was the widespread, extremely high severity of Southern rust into the northern Corn Belt. In 2025, Southern rust was reported in 20 states and as far north as Minnesota and South Dakota, leading many extension specialists and agronomists to name it a top threat to corn yields.

Southern rust wasn’t the only disease wreaking havoc on corn yield. Tar spot, Northern corn leaf blight and gray leaf spot were reported in many fields; and Fusarium/Gibberella ear rot became an increasing concern when heading to the grain elevators. For added complication, this intense disease pressure appeared sooner than usual, requiring many growers to spray a yield-saving fungicide earlier in the season. High demand also created difficulty in finding applicators available to spray quickly.

Ben Van Roekel, a second-generation farmer in Iowa, experienced these challenges firsthand. “On July 7, we found tar spot, Northern corn leaf blight and Southern rust already in our field, which was early for us,” he says.

Fortunately, Van Roekel was able to respond quickly with an application of Miravis® Neo fungicide to help protect his corn yields. “We’ve had record rainfalls for July and August, so getting applications out there was really challenging,” he says. “After that, we had high humidity and strong dews in the morning along with the constant rainfall, causing probably one of the strongest disease years that I have ever seen in my entire career.”

The Benefits of a Proactive Fungicide Strategy

The movement of Southern rust and the reality of unpredictable weather conditions serve as reminders for how important it is to stay ahead of diseases. Instead of waiting to see what diseases show up each year, planning a proactive fungicide approach can give you peace of mind that no matter what diseases the growing season brings, your yield will be protected.

Syngenta has a portfolio of fungicides that help fight diseases, increase plant health and boost yield potential — even in low pressure years. One top choice is Miravis Neo fungicide, which contains the unique powerhouse carboxamide SDHI molecule ADEPIDYN® technology. Miravis Neo fights all key corn diseases, dominating spots and blights as well as protecting grain and silage from mycotoxin-causing Fusarium/Gibberella ear rots.

Another proven option is Trivapro® fungicide, a long-lasting corn fungicide that delivers preventive and curative control of diseases through three modes of action, including SOLATENOL®.

Recent data from the University of Kentucky shows Miravis Neo and Trivapro both continue to outperform other fungicides at reducing Southern rust severity.1

Yield Protection With or Without Disease Pressure

As important as it is to anticipate disease pressure, there are always years with drier conditions and fewer diseases to contend with. Fortunately for growers, research shows that Miravis Neo and Trivapro are still good investments in years without heavy disease pressure, protecting plants from stress and boosting yield potential through unrivaled plant-health benefits like more efficient uptake of water and nutrients.

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Quality fungicides, like our Cleaner & Greener portfolio, are really the most important tools out there for preserving yield potential.

Tyler Harp Technical Product Lead at Syngenta

Cleaner & Greener* fungicides give growers dual-yield protection from disease and stress like drought, in both heavy and low disease pressure. (References to “cleaner and greener” indicate plant health benefits (e.g., less disease and increased crop efficiency and productivity) from foliar fungicides and the visible color of the plants.)  Data across six years and over 700 strip trials show that Cleaner & Greener fungicides were profitable 80% of the time, regardless of whether it was a dry or wet growing season.2

“Quality fungicides, like our Cleaner & Greener portfolio, are really the most important tools out there for preserving yield potential,” says Tyler Harp, technical product lead at Syngenta. “These tools also help protect the investment growers make in their crops each year, so they can get more bushels per acre at the end of the season.”

Under the heavy disease pressure and unfavorable growing conditions seen in 2025, Van Roekel’s Miravis Neo-treated corn yielded 30–50 more bu/A than his two untreated checks.

In recent years, Van Roekel’s acres have struggled with drought instead of disease, and he still credits the stress-relieving properties of Miravis Neo with helping his crop thrive.

“I’ve always liked Miravis Neo with the ADEPIDYN technology in there to keep the plant green and keep it healthy,” Van Roekel says. “I’ve really liked Miravis Neo on those aspects of plant health.”

*No claim is being made herein about the environmental attributes of any product. References to “cleaner and greener” indicate plant health benefits (e.g., less disease and increased crop efficiency and productivity) from foliar fungicides and the visible color of the plants.

1 Trial USNG0F325-2025, University of Kentucky, Dr. K. Wiess, 2025.

2 Based on application + product cost and corn price $6.00/bu. Data from 709 on-farm grower/strip trials from 2016-2022; AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, MN, MO, NE, NY, OH, SD, WI. Trivapro and Miravis Neo at 13.7 oz/A

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Weed control in 2025 wasn’t simple and 2026 isn’t likely to be any less complex. The number of herbicide resistant weeds continues to increase — up 175% since 20001. Growers must consider if they’re dealing with target-site or non-target-site resistant weeds. Smart and effective control means being selective with which herbicides you apply, as well as when and how you apply them. Successful resistance management requires knowing your weeds, knowing your options and making a plan.

Target-site vs. Non-target-site Resistance

The target-site within a weed refers to the specific site where the herbicide binds with the weed, thereby blocking or inhibiting a necessary physiological process of the plant and causing injury or death. Target-site resistance is the familiar herbicide resistance challenge that growers have heard about for years. Resistance is caused by a mutation in the weed’s target-site, ultimately disrupting an herbicide’s ability to bind with the target site within the weed and rendering the herbicide ineffective.

Target-site resistance is largely predictable because if a weed shows resistance to one herbicide within an Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) group, then the other herbicides within that group are also likely ineffective. This is why it’s important to rotate modes of action in your herbicide program.

Non-target-site resistance, one category of which is metabolic resistance, is far less predictable than target-site resistance and is increasingly problematic. Non-target-site resistance results when weeds develop the ability to subvert herbicides by metabolizing, storing or detoxifying them so that they never reach the target site. It extends beyond any particular herbicide group and can impact multiple modes of action. In this case, rotating to a new mode of action may not help.

Worst of the Worst Weeds in 2025

So, what were the worst weeds of 2025 and why? Three technical product leads from Syngenta, managing products in soybeans, corn and cereals — Eric Palmer, Ph.D., Mark Kitt and David Belles, Ph.D. — contributed their insights to the following list.

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) – Amaranthaceae family

  • Can produce more than 400,000 seeds in a season when left unchecked
  • Can contribute to yield losses of up to 91% in corn and 79% in soybeans
  • Exhibits non-target site resistance and resistance at multiple sites of action.

Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) – Amaranthaceae family

  • Can produce up to 1,000,000 seeds in a season when left unchecked
  • Exhibits non-target site resistance and resistance at multiple sites of action
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The top resistant weeds on a grower’s mind by a long shot are waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. Just think of the number of seeds that pigweeds can produce if you let them go to seed and how that drives up your weed seed bank.

Mark Kitt Technical Product Lead for Corn Herbicides at Syngenta

Wild Oat (Avena fatua) – Poaceae family

  • Reproduces from seed and emerges in cool and wet soils
  • Produces an average of 60 seeds per plant
  • Reduces crop yields and increases production costs

Kochia (Kochia scoparia) – Amaranthaceae family

  • The number of seeds produced by individual plants varies widely, but can reach up to 30,000
  • Exhibits resistance at multiple sites of action
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Kochia produces a lot of seed, is competitive, pretty drought resistant and a tumbleweed, so it breaks off and spreads seed across the fields fairly easily.

David Belles, Ph.D. Technical Product Lead for Cereals Herbicides at Syngenta

Marestail (Conyza canadensis) – Asteraceae family

  • Can produce 200,000 highly mobile seeds per plant
  • Was the first glyphosate-resistant weed identified in U.S. row crops in 2000 and today shows resistance at multiple sites of action.

Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) – Asteraceae family

  • Can produce up to 5,000 seeds per plant
  • Season-long competition can lead to crop losses of 30 – 90%
  • Exhibits resistance at multiple sites of action.
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With corn, especially in heavy pressure fields, giant ragweed can have a major impact on corn yield.

Mark Kitt Technical Product Lead for Corn Herbicides at Syngenta

Decisions for a Successful 2026 Season

With the threat of metabolic resistance present, Eric Palmer, Ph.D., soybeans technical product lead at Syngenta, uses the metaphor of a slide dimmer light switch to explain the importance of using preemergence herbicides. “Just as the light level in a room starts low and builds as you move the switch up, the concentration of the enzymes in a weed that break down and metabolize herbicide chemistries build up as the weed grows,” he says. “This is why programs incorporating preemergence residual herbicides are more successful than those with postemergence applications alone.”

There is a lot of testing done to determine the proper rate of application on the herbicide label. This testing encompasses both crop safety and how much herbicide is required to effectively kill weeds.

“A considerable amount of research goes into understanding what our full 1X use rates should be that are listed on our product labels,” says Mark Kitt, corn herbicide technical product lead at Syngenta. “Using the full rates for resistance management is important because lower rates sometimes create a potential resistance management issue.”

If you apply less than the labelled rate, weeds are exposed to a potentially effective herbicide, but at a sub-lethal level, which the weed’s enzymes may overcome. This increases the likelihood of future resistance issues.

Preemergence residual herbicides offer some hope in the face of metabolic resistance challenges. After all, the best time to control weeds is before they emerge.

“That’s one reason we still see effectiveness with the preemergence residual herbicides,” Palmer says. “They’re controlling a germinating seed, before that metabolic engine really gets going in a larger weed with a buildup of enzymes that break down herbicides.”

Herbicide Recommendations for Your Corn, Soybean and Cereals

Palmer says the feedback on Tendovo® preemergence residual herbicide in soybeans has been very positive. He recommends it for its three sites of action and the robust amounts of active ingredients built into the formulation. “One of the components is metribuzin, for which there’s no documented Amaranthus resistance at this time,” he says. “So, it gives you a really solid foundation for your soybeans.”

Kitt points to Storen® and Acuron® corn herbicides and stresses that they’re put out in fields before weeds emerge, whether that is at planting or even before planting. Both Storen and Acuron can be applied as early as 28 days preplant. With four effective active ingredients and three sites of action, Acuron is the top solution for resistance management, controlling the toughest broadleaf weeds and grasses. The four powerful residual ingredients in Storen deliver unprecedented weed control — with 95% control in 9 out of 10 fields.2

For post-emergence residual applications, Kitt reminds applicators to keep water volume up, speed down, and use proper adjuvants and nozzles. With Acuron GT postemergence corn herbicide, he says the most important thing is to be sure it’s applied to weeds less than four inches in height.  “Get out there when those weeds are small,” he says. “Better yet, make residual herbicide applications before weeds have emerged. That’s the best way to keep resistance in check.”

Currently, herbicide resistance recommendations in cereals are complicated. Belles, who is also the Chairman of HRAC, refers to a North Dakota survey showing that resistance to Axial® Bold or Axial Star cereals herbicides is lower than some of the other products being used. He suggests collecting and testing weed seed from your fields to determine which chemistries are most effective on those populations.

Managing herbicide resistance in 2026 won’t be easy, but thoughtful planning and consideration will make it easier. Understanding resistance mechanisms, using full labelled rates and prioritizing strong preemergence programs are crucial for continued success. Arm yourself with knowledge and the right tools, then execute the plan that makes sense for your fields.

1 Heap, I. The International Herbicide-Resistant Weed Database. www.weedscience.org. 

2Data Source: HBI003A4-2022US – (15 locations, 30 weed data points). Rates tested: Storen 2.4 qt/A + AAtrex 0.75 qt/A, Resicore® 3 qt/A + AAtrex 0.75 qt/A.

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Early planting has reshaped how growers manage both soybeans and corn. What once felt aggressive is now routine, driven by genetics, equipment capacity and the proven yield benefits of getting crops in the ground sooner. But earlier planting also compresses timelines, stacks workloads and increases the odds that weed control doesn’t happen exactly as planned.

That’s where problems begin.

Early planting without a proactive weed control strategy often trades yield potential for season‑long frustration. The goal today isn’t just planting early, it’s staying ahead of weeds from emergence through canopy closure and beyond, even when weather and logistics refuse to cooperate.

Early Soybeans Change the Weed Control Equation

Soybeans are getting planted earlier every year, and that shift is narrowing the traditional gap between soybean and corn planting windows. According to Jonathan Furasek, product marketing lead for the soybean herbicide portfolio at Syngenta, many growers who once relied on early spring weeks to apply preemergence corn herbicides now find themselves planting soybeans instead.

That timing matters.

The yield upside of early soybean planting — faster canopy closure, more nodes and improved pod retention — only materializes when weeds are controlled early and consistently. Without a clean start and strong residual activity, weeds emerge right alongside the crop, stealing moisture, nutrients, light and yield potential at the worst possible time.

“Beans start popping up and the weeds also start popping up,” Furasek says. “When that happens, farmers are often forced into reactive post-emergence decisions and spend the rest of the season trying to catch up.”

Tough Weeds Exploit Every Delay

Palmer amaranth, waterhemp and giant ragweed remain three of the most yield‑threatening weeds in both soybeans and corn. In many regions, waterhemp begins germinating in late winter or early spring and continues until the first frost. Palmer amaranth can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds per plant, while waterhemp can produce even more — rapidly expanding the soil seedbank and accelerating resistance challenges.

These weeds thrive under the same conditions growers face during early planting: fluctuating temperatures, wet soil and tight application windows. By the time post‑emergence control is attempted, weeds may already be past the stage where they can be reliably controlled — especially when metabolism peaks during warm summer conditions.

In soybeans, the critical weed‑free period runs from emergence through approximately the fourth trifoliate. In corn, any weed presence at emergence can cause irreversible yield loss. Even small weeds — just two to four inches tall — can rob measurable yield and reduce return on investment.

Proactive Programs Protect Yield — and Time

Most growers understand the value of starting clean. The challenge is building a program that holds up when spring doesn’t go according to plan.

That’s where preemergence herbicides with strong, consistent residual activity earn their keep.  Residual herbicides don’t just control weeds, they reduce early crop stress by keeping the field clean longer — preserving flexibility when weather delays fieldwork.

For soybeans, Furasek points to Tendovo® soybean herbicide as a foundation for early‑planted acres. Tendovo delivers broad‑spectrum control of more than 70 weed species, including Palmer amaranth, waterhemp and giant ragweed, with up to five weeks of residual activity. Its crop safety and flexibility allow growers to stay on schedule and layer additional tools as needed to reach canopy closure.

Those benefits matter when early planting compresses workloads and eliminates second chances.

Corn Weed Control Still Starts Early, but Flexibility Matters

Corn acres face the same pressures. Preplant and preemergence residual herbicide applications remain the most reliable way to protect yield, especially against early‑emerging broadleaves and grasses. Products like Acuron® and Storen® corn herbicides provide strong residual control and wide application windows, allowing growers to get protection in place before weeds gain ground. But if Mother Nature throws a curveball, these products can also be applied post-emergence, if needed.

Storen, powered by MetaSafe™ crop-safening formulation technology, enables the use of pyroxasulfone in corn by accelerating how the crop metabolizes the active ingredient, helping ensure Storen is gentle on corn while being tough on weeds. That innovation supports its wide application window helping growers maintain program integrity despite unpredictable spring conditions.

What If the Residual Doesn’t Go Down Before Corn Emergence?

Despite the best planning, spring weather and workload realities sometimes mean a corn PRE simply doesn’t happen. When that occurs, the worst response is waiting.

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Applying a strong product like Acuron GT at the right timing — ideally before weeds are four inches tall — helps regain control and protect yield in glyphosate-tolerant systems.

Mark Kitt Technical Product Lead for Corn Herbicides at Syngenta

A missed PRE doesn’t eliminate yield potential — but it does require decisive, timely action.

If weeds emerge with the crop, early post-emergence applications become critical. Mark Kitt, technical product lead for corn herbicides at Syngenta, emphasizes making an application as soon as possible, ideally at least 21 days after planting.

“If no residual went down, growers have to get out and apply a strong post-emergence plus residual herbicide as soon as the weather permits,” Kitt says. “Applying a strong product like Acuron GT at the right timing — ideally before weeds are four inches tall — helps regain control and protect yield in glyphosate-tolerant systems.”

Just as important, post‑emergence applications should include residual activity whenever possible. Waiting to spray without overlapping residuals leave the door open for later flushes that steal yield and force additional passes.

Rates, Coverage and Discipline Still Matter

Regardless of crop or timing, execution determines success. Furasek cautions against cutting rates, especially under pressure.

“Don’t think of it as cutting the rate,” he says. “Think of it as doubling the size of the weed.”

Herbicide rates are designed to control weeds at specific growth stages. Applying less than labeled rates against actively growing weeds dramatically reduces the odds of success and increases the risk of escapes and resistance.

Growers should also pay close attention to carrier volume, nozzle selection and coverage, especially in dense canopies or mixed weed populations. Strong programs fail when applications are rushed or compromised.

Layering Residuals to Reach Canopy Closure

Trait‑based herbicide systems play an important role in both soybeans and corn, but many post‑emergence options offer little or no residual control. To help maintain weed‑free soybean fields through canopy closure, residual herbicides such as Dual Magnum®, Prefix® or Sequence® should be included where appropriate.

Layering residuals extends control, reduces late‑season pressure and lowers the likelihood of additional applications. In high‑pressure situations, sequential passes — or even cultivation — may still be required. The key is staying proactive, not reactive.

Early Planting Rewards Preparation

Early planting delivers real yield potential — but only when weed control keeps pace. Clean starts, strong residual foundations and flexible contingency plans separate high‑performing acres from those spent chasing escapes all season long.

Good intentions don’t control weeds. Disciplined programs, timely decisions and overlapping residuals do. When early planting is paired with proactive weed management, growers are better positioned to protect yield, manage risk and make the most of every acre — no matter what spring brings.

1Syngenta market research, 2022. n=302.

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It’s tempting to lower the bar on weed management when commodity prices are low. But as some soybean, corn and cereals growers discovered in 2025, trying to save a little on the front end can result in an expensive and time-consuming game of catch-up later in the season.

“I think I’d be remiss in not saying that commodity prices were a major challenge for farmers this past year,” says Mark Kitt, corn herbicide technical product lead at Syngenta. “Farmers want to try to manage their weed control costs, but it’s better to invest a little bit more in a strong herbicide program than to try to cut corners and allow weeds to start competing with the crop for resources.”

Weeds By the Numbers

Kitt says Syngenta completed research across 20 locations analyzing how much nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that 2- to 4-inch weeds pull from soil, which equates to about $15 per acre1. “That’s just the fertilizer dollar impact, not even the yield impact. Early season weed competition can change how the corn grows, causing irreversible yield loss. If a corn plant senses weed competition, it’s going to prioritize above-ground growth to try to outgrow those weeds for sunlight,” Kitt explains. “And that can sacrifice below-ground root development, which ultimately is what the plant uses to access the nutrients it needs for grain fill.”

Eric Palmer, Ph.D., soybean herbicide technical product lead at Syngenta saw firsthand the impact weed escapes had on 2025 soybean fields. “When driving around the countryside late last year, the weed escapes I saw above crop canopies were primarily Palmer amaranth and waterhemp — two weeds that can be detrimental to soybean yield,” he says.

Weeds also take moisture from fields that crops could otherwise use. This is particularly concerning in drier areas. Kitt cites Syngenta research on weed-related water losses that shows 3-inch weeds can remove 1 inch of moisture from the soil in just three days.

“Multiply that across an acre and that’s up to 27,000 gallons of water that weeds are stealing from your crop,” Kitt says.

The weeds that robbed the most moisture from cereals crops in 2025 were foxtails and kochia, according to David Belles, Ph.D., cereals herbicide technical product lead at Syngenta. Even when commodity prices are low, he notes that farmers would like to see new herbicide solutions because many of the existing chemistries for use in cereals are more than 15 years old.

Exploring the Future of Weed Control

Fortunately, exciting technologies are emerging in the war on weeds. Two examples, drone applications and aerial scouting photography, will likely become more prevalent in the future.

“On social media platforms, you may see demonstrations of electrocution-based weed control,” says Kitt. These systems use high-voltage electricity intended to damage plant tissue and suppress weed growth.

There are also emerging laser-based weed control technologies that use camera-guided systems designed to identify weeds and target them with focused laser energy, according to Kitt. “I haven’t seen widespread adoption of these tools,” he says. “However, continued exploration of different approaches is positive. Integrated weed management relies on combining multiple strategies — including chemical, cultural and mechanical practices.”

In addition, breakthroughs in more traditional weed-control technologies are in the pipeline. “We’ve got some new trait technologies on the horizon in soybeans that have shown very good promise in early research,” Palmer says.

When it comes to new herbicides, Kitt isn’t ready to talk specifics but says what excites him most about working at Syngenta is its developmental pipeline. “I think farmers are going to really like what they see coming to market in the next few years.”

In the meantime, Syngenta discovered a way to unlock the full strength of the bicyclopyrone molecule and submitted label amendments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its bicyclopyrone-containing brands: Storen ®, Acuron ®, Acuron GT and Acuron Flexi. “Once approved, these label changes will allow growers more flexibility when building programs to control tough weeds in corn,” Kitt says.

The Best Bet in 2026

Belles, Kitt and Palmer all agree that applying pre and post-emergence residual herbicides in a layered approach will still be your best bet when it comes to controlling weeds in 2026.

Palmer says a lot of farmers, particularly in soybeans, are still trying to control weeds with only post-application herbicides. Whether a farmer uses one or multiple post applications, weeds are simply becoming more difficult to control without preemergence residual herbicides. One key reason is that the target window for post applications is narrow and easy to miss because of bad weather, mechanical issues or any of the other near-daily issues that occur on most farms.

Palmer encourages farmers to use preemergence herbicide applications with strong residual activity, like Tendovo® soybean herbicide, which has shown excellent crop safety and up to five weeks residual control.

“Tendovo has been out for a couple of seasons now, and the people who have used the full-labelled rates have been very pleased with what they’ve seen,” he says.

In corn, Kitt says a good weed management program starts with Storen® corn herbicide.  “If I had a heavy infestation of Palmer amaranth or waterhemp, I’d use Storen at 1.2 quarts per acre preemergence with atrazine, then follow up about 21 days after planting with another 1.2 quarts per acre of Storen plus atrazine mixed with glyphosate,” he says. “That split-shot Storen program is going to be very robust.”

Kitt reminds farmers that it is always best to monitor for weed escapes and that Acuron® corn herbicide is another excellent choice for preemergent weed management. He points to data showing that Acuron outyields competitive corn herbicides by 5-15 bushels per acre2.

In cereals, Belles says, “We’re waiting now for the registration of a label that would expand the use of Talinor herbicide3, which is bicyclopyrone and bromoxynil octanoate, to allow preemergence applications.”

There’s no guarantee that cutting corners to control weeds won’t tempt farmers again in 2026. Instead, experts recommend they stick with the fundamentals and practice the strategies they know will pay long-term profitability dividends.

1Prices pulled from https://www.tworiversks.coop/pages/custom.php?id=19995 on 9/18/25 to calculate the following:

N: 46-0-0 is $29.50 per 100 pounds or $0.295 per pound: (13.4 lb of actual N weed uptake/0.46 fertilizer = 29.13 lb of 46-0-0 needed) then (29.13 lb of 46-0-0 * $0.295 per pound of 46-0-0) = $$8.59

P: 18-46-0 is $46.50) per 100 pounds or $0.465 per pound: (0.85 lb of actual P2O5 weed uptake/0.46 fertilizer = 1.85 lb of 18-46-0 needed) then (1.85 lb of 18-46-0 * $0.465/pound of 18-46-0) = $0.86

K: muriate of potash-(0-0-60) is $23.00 per 100 pounds or $0.23 per pound: (16.8 lb of actual K2O weed uptake/0.60 fertilizer = 28 lb of 0-0-60 needed) then (28 lb of 0-0-60 * $0.23/pound of 0-0-60) = $6.44

$8.59+$0.86+$6.44=$15.89

2Acuron yield advantage based on 2016 Syngenta and university trials comparing Acuron to Corvus®, Resicore®, SureStart® II and Verdict® herbicide applied pre-emergence and at full label rates.

3Talinor is not yet registered for preemergence use on cereals in the U.S.

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Thanks in part to unrelenting rain and high humidity levels this past season, soybean growers experienced unusual weather conditions that were optimal for disease development. As a result, many growers scrambled to decipher which diseases were in their fields, making quick fungicide applications in an effort to salvage yields.

Two diseases of concern in 2025 were frogeye leaf spot and white mold, as both diseases are adapting to new environments. Once known as a strictly Southern disease, frogeye leaf spot has adapted to Midwestern conditions, spreading north into the Corn Belt and infecting Indiana and Illinois soybean fields.

In contrast, white mold pressure came in early July, moving southward down the continental U.S. According to Dylan Mangel, Ph.D., assistant professor and extension plant pathologist with University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he’s anticipating record yield losses due to white mold.

“This is no longer a disease of Northern states. White mold has moved down and gotten really comfortable here in Nebraska,” says Mangel. “It’s evolving and getting more used to the conditions here. The more they get used to it, the more we’re going to see it.”

Many soybean growers also had to contend with Cercospora, pod and stem blight, and Septoria brown spot. For added complication, this intense disease pressure hit earlier in the season than normal. Many soybean fields applied yield-saving foliar sprays in July rather than August, creating difficulty in finding someone available to spray quickly.

It’s clear that diseases can take a big bite out of profits — stealing an estimated 250 million soybean bushels in the U.S. in 2024  — making preventive fungicides an essential part of yield protection strategy.

Plan Ahead to Protect Soybean Yields

One key takeaway from 2025 is the value of a preventive fungicide application. Some growers often take a wait-and-see approach to soybean fungicides, hoping to skip an application if disease pressure stays low or conditions are dry.

However, the unexpected pressure of 2025 showed that playing fungicide application by ear is a risky gamble. Plus, a late fungicide application cannot reverse established disease pressure. The best way to protect ROI and maximize yield potential is with a proactive approach.

Yield Protection in Wet or Dry Conditions

Whether you end up battling disease in your fields or not, the Cleaner & Greener* plant-health fungicide portfolio can help safeguard your soybean crop. Whether there’s light or heavy disease pressure, these high-performing products cover your bases with proven disease control and plant-health benefits to boost potential yield — regardless of conditions.

Miravis® Neo fungicide can help soybean growers fight back against yield-robbing Midwestern diseases like white mold. Containing the exclusive powerhouse SDHI molecule ADEPIDYN® technology, Miravis Neo combats all key diseases and dominates spots and blights. This next-level control maximizes soybean yield potential and supports overall plant health. In 2024, Miravis Neo delivered an average 5-bushel advantage over the untreated check, beating breakeven in 87.5% of trials.1

Another powerful option for soybeans is Miravis Top fungicide. Miravis Top combines two active ingredients — including ADEPIDYN technology — to provide broad-spectrum disease control against the toughest soybean diseases, including strobilurin-resistant pathogens such as frogeye leaf spot. A combo of high-performing disease protection and proven plant-health benefits helps maintain maximum yield potential.

No matter what 2026 brings, Mother Nature is sure to keep growers on their toes. But this time around, you can be ready. Act now to reserve Miravis Neo and Miravis Top supplies for the next growing season and be one step ahead of yield-robbing diseases.

*No claim is being made herein about the environmental attributes of any product. References to “cleaner and greener” indicate plant health benefits (e.g., less disease and increased crop efficiency and productivity) from foliar fungicides and the visible color of the plants.

1On-farm grower/strip trials (n=8): IA (2), IL (1), IN (1), MI (1), NE (1), SD (1), WI (1). Application Rates: Miravis Neo fungicide at 13.7 fl oz/A applied at R2-R3 soybean. Break-even return on investment (ROI): Application + product cost = ~$31/A / soybean price $10/bu = 3.1 bu/A.

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Beyond the cycle of seasons, markets and weather patterns, farming is a long-term business. Over time, farmers expect growth — it’s what they do. Like raising crops, business growth requires planning, care and constant adjustments.

Expansion decisions start with balancing opportunities with resources and risk with reward, while accounting for uncontrollable variables like prices and market conditions. To customize the formula for success, every farm operation should define variables that can be controlled, including the why, what, when and how of growth.

Why Do You Want to Grow?

To gain a clear understanding of why you want to grow, define the “why” behind this decision. Maybe you need to grow because the cost of living is increasing. Or a child is headed to college. Perhaps someone wants to join your operation. Or you want to have more influence in a cooperative. You may want a new challenge or to fulfill a dream.

Reasons to expand are as unique as each operation. Validate your reasons with other members of the operation and trusted outside advisors. Growth of any kind requires energy and investment; clear goals keep you motivated and focused.

What Does Farm Expansion Mean to You?

Often, we think farm expansion equals more acreage. But bigger isn’t necessarily always better. Many other approaches can lead to healthy business growth.

  • Diversification spreads risk by engaging the farm in additional markets. Examples include broadening or shifting crop mix, investing in livestock, adding a business (like seed sales), or marketing directly to consumers.
  • Side businesses add a new income stream to the farm. These opportunities are endless. Add a pumpkin patch or event venue. Become an educational farm tour host. Partner with a local restaurant to supply a specific ingredient. Offer pick-your-own flowers. Create and garner a social media platform with a following that attracts advertisers. Side hustles often require significant planning and time, but they can also be incredibly rewarding.
  • Boosting efficiency with existing resources adds to the bottom line, creating growth without adding major assets. This can include farming land more intensively, adjusting management practices like timing to optimize yield, making farm improvements, fully using machinery capacity through customer farming or finding markets for existing byproducts like straw or manure. Given the current farm economy, this may be one of the healthiest ways to grow.

Consider the people involved when figuring out what expansion should look like. Capitalize on personal strengths and skills, especially when expanding to include new partners in the operation. And most importantly, choose opportunities that excite your team, so you are willing to invest energy and resources to make it work.

When Do You Want to Expand?

Once you know what you want expansion to look like, take a close look at the conditions both inside and outside of the farm. Examine financials and assets closely, with business, fiscal and legal advisors as needed, to fully understand what you have to work with and how that changes over time.

With this knowledge, establish an expansion timeline.

While some opportunities, like purchasing that 120 acres next to the home farm, likely only arise once in your career. Others, like selling sweet corn or apples at local farmers markets, can be an annual endeavor.

Understanding farm debt, assets and expected income can clarify when it’s time to make your planned expansion moves. In truly bearish economies, this variable could include learning what factors to watch, like interest rates, so you know when conditions become right to act. Such signals indicate the right time to offer custom planting services, to break ground on establishing a cut-your-own Christmas tree business, or to make a standing offer on a field.

How to Execute Your Expansion Plan

Finally, dig into the nuts and bolts of your vision.

Do the research. Meet with contacts. Adjust the budget. Apply for the grant. Decide how to promote the service. Plan how to manage the additional workload. Protect existing assets.

Growing pains are common, especially when some aspects of expansion end up requiring more time or investment than initially expected. That’s a reason to get into the nitty-gritty details ahead of time. Anticipating potential challenges will help you prepare for and navigate through unexpected issues that arise.

Balance the Equation

As you fill in those expansion formula variables, verify that you have the resources needed to take advantage of an opportunity. Leasing a field several miles beyond your current footprint may not be worth the additional time and fuel needed to get to it. Direct-to-customer meat sales must factor in delivery time and logistics.

Understand the risks you are willing to take, beyond those inherent in planting crops and raising livestock. And always remember that the potential rewards can include more than just additional income. Intangible rewards like stronger relationships or discovering and developing personal skills help offset the risks.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or business advice for your farming operation.

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American citrus groves are under attack from a range of damaging pests. Among the many threats eating away at your marketable citrus yields, including mites, citrus thrips and leafminers, one looms above the rest: Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the industry’s biggest enemy.

ACP is an invasive species that attacks all varieties of citrus. It arrived in Florida in 1998 and touched down in California just 10 years later. Females lay eggs within the folds of the citrus tree’s feather flush. All growth stages of ACP prefer to feed on the soft, unfurled leaves, injecting a salivary toxin that causes new leaf tips to burn back.

This invasive insect packs a one-two punch with its destruction. In addition to direct feeding damage, ACP vectors the deadly bacteria that causes Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, also known as the world’s most devastating citrus disease.

Identify Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Greening

Adult ACP have mottled brown wings and range from 3 – 4 mm in length. Nymphs and adults have a whitish, waxy secretion on their bodies that gives them a dusty appearance. Nymphs are harder to spot but leave behind similar excretions on citrus leaves.

Infected trees may remain asymptomatic and act as a source of bacteria for other trees for months. When trees begin showing symptoms, there can be a wide variety, including mottled leaves, yellow shoots, defoliation, a 50 – 75% reduction in root function, fruit drop and shoot dieback. Infected trees also produce misshapen, bitter, unmarketable fruit.

Once infected, young trees can die shortly after initial infection, while older trees can be killed outright within 7 to 9 years, according to the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.

Close up photo of Asian citrus psyllids on leaves in a Florida grove.
Asian citrus psyllids vector the bacteria that causes citrus greening.

Control ACP and Other Citrus Pests

While the outlook may appear grim when battling ACP, powerful insecticides can help turn the tide.

Zivalgo™ insecticide, powered by PLINAZOLIN® technology, introduces a novel mode of action (IRAC Group 30) that delivers consistently high efficacy and long-lasting, broad-spectrum control of a wide range of insects, including ACP.

Bar chart showing impact of ZivalgoTM Insecticide on Asian citrus psyllid in orange crops.
Zivalgo insecticide provides control of Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) in orange crops. Trial: USVL0I1022019. Vero Beach, FL; 2019.

Zivalgo is a game-changer when it comes to controlling insects like ACP, mites, thrips and more in citrus crops. It acts by contact and ingestion to cause rapid feeding cessation after uptake. Its formulation remains stable on the leaf surface for extended periods with its rugged durability and rainfastness, giving you more application flexibility. Zivalgo complements integrated pest management programs, providing a robust tool for U.S. citrus protection moving forward.

Bar chart showing impact of ZivalgoTM Insecticide on leafminer in Florida citrus crops crops.
Zivalgo provides strong, long-lasting control of citrus leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii) in Florida citrus crops. Trial: USVL0I1062021. Vero Beach, FL; 2021.

Find out how Zivalgo can help you protect your citrus crops from ACPs, leafminers, thrips and more. For additional information, reach out to your Syngenta representative.

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Cotton crops are vulnerable to a spectrum of insect pests, including plant bugs, mites, thrips and stink bugs. Scouting for these insects is an essential first step to protect cotton yields, followed by an insecticide rotation program to help keep populations low and manage resistance.

An illustration of a tarnished plant bug shows a clear visual of its identifying characteristics, including the reddish-brown markings on wings.
Tarnished plant bug

Learn to Identify Plant Bugs, Thrips and More

These cotton insects all use piercing mouthpieces to feed on cotton plants, but damage varies based on the specific pest. Get to know the identifying characteristics to make informed management decisions.

  • Plant bugs, also known as lygus, are green or brown in color and have reddish-brown markings on their wings. They use their piercing mouths to feed on tender cotton plant terminals and small squares before they bloom. After bloom, plant bugs begin feeding on larger squares. Feeding damage may cause squares to abort, which can lower yield potential.
  • Thrips range from yellow to black in color. With an overall body length of less than 1/12 an inch, these persistent cotton pests are small but mighty, with the potential to cause yield reductions of more than 100 pounds of lint per acre. Damage occurs when thrips infestations feed on seedlings.
  • Twospotted spider mites are greenish or red in color, according to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. These insects pierce cotton plant cells and extract liquid from the cells. Damage first appears as white or yellowish specks called stipules. Twospotted spider mites also feed on bracts of squares and bolls. Over time, this can prematurely defoliate plants. Extended periods of injury can reduce profitable yields, fiber quality and seed.
  • Stink bugs penetrate cotton bolls and feed on seeds, damaging lint quality and causing the bolls to abort. Stink bugs can transmit disease pathogens that lead to boll rot. When scouting, the North Carolina State University Extension advises you inspect bolls for small, round, shallow and purplish depressions. Other internal signs of damage include small wart-like growths or dark pinprick spots on the inside of the boll wall. Though similar to tarnished plant bug damage, stink bugs damage larger bolls than plant bugs.

Control Tough Insect Pests and Prevent Resistance

For consistent control of these cotton insects, rotating insecticides with multiple modes of action is an important management strategy.

Vertento® insecticide, powered by PLINAZOLIN technology, is an important addition to insecticide rotation programs. Its innovative active ingredient provides exceptional protection against plant bugs and other economically significant cotton insects.

A side-by-side comparison photo shows insect damage in untreated cotton plants next to cotton plants treated with Vertento insecticide. The untreated side shows reduced marketable yields.
In a trial testing plant bug damage in cotton, cotton plants treated with Vertento had less damage than untreated cotton for improved marketable yield potential. Source: Sales Support Trial SyngPB – AR 2022. *PLINAZOLIN technology is the active ingredient in Vertento insecticide.

Vertento introduces a novel mode of action in IRAC Group 30 with no cross-resistance to other modes of action. With increasing incidence of resistant populations of insects, options like Vertento help replace older chemistries to manage resistance while providing excellent control of challenging pests.

A graph comparing the number of tarnished plant bug nymphs in cotton shows that plants treated with Vertento had fewer nymphs per ten row feet than untreated cotton.
In a trial testing the number of tarnished plant bug nymphs in cotton, plants treated with Vertento had fewer nymphs per 10 row ft. than untreated cotton plants. MS, 2020. Trial: USSB0I1042020.

For additional information about protecting marketable cotton yields, controlling tough insects and managing resistance, reach out to your Syngenta representative.

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Leafy green growers — do you have a plan for Western flower thrips? These tiny, slender pests feed on the leaves of your lettuce, spinach and other leafy vegetables.

  • Thrips puncture the epidermal layer of plant tissue and extract cell contents.
  • Feeding damage results in stippling and discoloration.
  • Cosmetic scarring and reduced crop quality render vegetables unmarketable.
  • Heavy infestations lead to necrosis, costing yield and profit potential.
Detailed illustration of a western flower thrip
Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis)

Thrips Threaten Lettuce, Spinach and More

Feeding damage isn’t the only threat thrips pose to lettuce crops. The Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV), transmitted by western flower thrips, causes severe damage to crops. To make matters worse, traditional pest management practices are no match for the one-two punch of thrips and INSV.

According to the University of Arizona, the standard management practice used to involve allowing thrips to build up on young vegetable crops before using two well-timed foliar insecticide applications to prevent feeding damage on marketable yields.

Although this method was effective for years, INSV and resistance development have changed the landscape of thrips management in leafy vegetables.

INSV Transmission in Leafy Crops

The University of Arizona found that leafy INSV infections can occur in two ways:

  1. Primary infection or spread can occur when INSV-infected adults from an outside host source migrate into your fields, feed on the crop and transmit the virus to otherwise healthy plants.
  2. Secondary infection or spread occurs when thrips larvae acquire INSV by feeding on an infected plant (either the crop itself or nearby weeds), develop into infected adults and transmit INSV throughout your fields.

Scouting Reminder: Only larvae can acquire INSV, and only adult thrips can transmit the disease to your crops.

How to Control Thrips and Manage the Spread of INSV

The presence of INSV demands a more proactive approach to thrips management to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus in your leafy crops. The University of California recommends an integrated program including selective insecticides; however, thrips have already developed resistance to several available options, leaving growers uncertain about the future.

The answer? Incipio™ insecticide, powered by PLINAZOLIN® technology. Through a novel mode of action, Incipio provides key advantages that can help turn the tide of thrips management, including:

  • Consistent, long-lasting control of thrips.
  • A next-generation active ingredient that works on the GABA receptor of insect nervous systems to deliver control of immature and adult thrips.
  • No known resistance or cross-resistance, making Incipio an important option for resistance management.
  • A formulation that can withstand a range of weather conditions.
  • Residual control to protect against thrips and INSV.
Bar chart showing impact of western flower thrips in lettuce crops treated with Incipio
In a trial testing lettuce pest sensitivity to western flower thrips, lettuce treated with Incipio developed fewer thrips per plant than untreated lettuce. Source: Trial: USWB0I2152020. CA, 2020.

Learn more about how Incipio can help you grow with confidence by preventing the spread of disease-causing pests in your leafy vegetables today. For additional information, reach out to your local Syngenta representative.

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Understanding pest pressure is key to producing any crop, and brassica vegetables are no exception. Insect pests such as diamondback moth, cabbage looper and imported cabbageworm can cause significant damage to brassica crops like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and more.

Defend Brassica Crops Against Diamondback Moth

Of the many insect pests brassica growers face, diamondback moth (DBM) may be the most challenging. Bringing new meaning to the phrase “small but mighty,” DBM larvae measure less than half an inch in size but can inflict serious damage to brassica crops, leading to devastating losses, reduced crop quality and increased control costs. Studies estimate that DBM costs the U.S. economy $1-2 billion annually.

The most sinister quality of DBM is the fact that it has quickly developed resistance to many available insecticides. The Journal of Economic Entomology cites that DBM was able to develop a high level of resistance to chlorantraniliprole within just three years of the chemistry’s introduction. The number of documented cases of resistance for DBM is greater than any other arthropod, earning it the title “the worst insect pest of brassica vegetable crops” by Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

DBM damage can vary according to the age of the crop and pest. Young larvae tend to feed on the lower leaf surface of more mature plants, leaving the upper epidermis of the leaf intact and giving it a distinct “windowpane” appearance. If uncontrolled, it can completely remove all foliar tissue of the plant besides leaf veins.

An image of a cabbage leaf damaged by diamondback moth larvae.
Cabbage leaf damaged by young DBM larvae.

Older DBM larvae prefer to feed at the crowns or growing points of young plants, chewing on floral stalks and flower buds. This can cause severely stunted growth and disrupted head formation in cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. The presence of larvae and contamination in florets will lead to complete rejection of produce.

Despite these challenges, new chemistries can improve the outlook for DBM control. Incipio™ insecticide designed to help growers farm with greater peace of mind and assist with resistance management.

Incipio provides consistent foliar pest protection in vegetable crops, delivering high efficacy and long-lasting, broad-spectrum control. This innovative insecticide introduces PLINAZOLIN® technology, a novel mode of action (IRAC Group 30) that acts by contact and ingestion, modulating the GABA receptor of the pest’s nervous system and causing rapid feeding cessation after uptake.

A bar chart showing improved control of diamondback moth in bok choy with Incipio compared to alternative products.
California trials show Incipio insecticide provides better control of DBM in bok choy compared to competitor products and an untreated check. Source: USWD0I2202021. Modesto, CA; 2021.

Control Additional Brassica Insect Pests

Incipio complements integrated pest management programs to help control other brassica insect pests.

  • Cabbage loopers damage crops during the larval stage. They have a pale green appearance with distinct white stripes down each side and four light stripes down the back. Mature larvae reach about 1.5 in in length. According to Michigan State University, this pest initially chews only the underside of leaves before they eventually create holes through the entire leaf.
  • Imported cabbageworms are most distinguishable by their fuzzy gray-green appearance. The feeding damage left behind by imported cabbageworms is similar to cabbage loopers, but Clemson University Cooperative Extension states that imported cabbageworms cause about two-thirds less damage to brassica crops than cabbage loopers.
A comparison photo shows improved control of diamondback moth shows in cabbage with a program including Incipio insecticide compared to alternative products.
A New Jersey trial showed reduced diamondback moth damage in cabbage treated with a program including Incipio insecticide compared to alternative products. Source: Internal Syngenta trials. Craig Austin. NJ, 2023.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension suggests implementing cultural practices to keep brassica crops free of cabbage loopers and imported cabbageworms. Key cultural practices include managing weeds to minimize protection and overwintering sites for these pests. Additionally, remove and destroy crop residue as soon as the crops have been harvested to eliminate any remaining pests.

In addition to managing weeds and removing crop residue, the University of Wisconsin – Madison Extension recommends scouting crops weekly, especially for caterpillars. Even if no feeding damage is apparent, check for eggs that will hatch into small caterpillars several days to a week later.

Incipio complements these cultural practices as part of an integrated pest management program to help enhance control of the most challenging brassica insect threats.

Bar chart showing impact of imported cabbageworm on brassica crops under various treatment plans, including improved control with Incipio insecticide.
In a trial testing the average number of imported cabbageworm larvae in brassica crops, plants treated with Incipio had less larvae per 5 plants than untreated plants. Source: USNC0I1022020. 6, 9, 14, 20 and 27 days after last application. WI, 2020.

For additional information about tackling tough insect pests, reach out to your Syngenta representative.