Syngenta Thrive

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Taking precautions against invasive species early in the growing season is critical to a successful peanut crop. According to the University of Georgia Extension, growers should pay special attention to protecting emerging seedlings because the early season is a high-risk period for thrips.

Seedlings are especially susceptible to the damaging effects of thrips. This can lead to potential yield loss and opens the door to other viruses and diseases. Early management starts with monitoring and scouting fields regularly. A thrips infestation causes leaves to become distorted and covered in coarse stippling that can lead to them turning brown and dying.

To combat the effects of these tiny insects, remember to give plants adequate room to avoid overcrowding and provide proper irrigation and fertilization. Get ahead of the problem by treating peanut seeds with CruiserMaxx® Peanuts insecticide and fungicide seed treatment. CruiserMaxx® Peanuts supports robust and vigorous crops and protects against chewing and sucking insects.

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Cereal and pulse crop planting is right around the corner, so you may be monitoring the weather and soil temperature to determine when to get the seed in the ground. Aside from these conditions, there could be insects and diseases in the soil that can impact your crop. Planting treated seed can be your best defense against early-season pests and adverse planting conditions.

Disease is one of the largest contributors to a loss in yield potential. Cooler, wet climates like those found in the Pacific Northwest can bring about an increased risk of disease for cereal and pulse crops. These diseases, like Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and common root rot destroy the crown and root tissues which prevent seedlings from developing strong roots. This early season root damage impacts yield potential as roots are unable to properly absorb vital water and nutrients.

In 2022, northern states lost an estimated 44.6 million bushels to disease. A quality seed treatment like Vayantis® can help control disease caused by Pythium species and maximize yield potential by protecting your plant’s roots. In a study done by North Dakota State University, a fungicide seed treatment improved plant stand by an average of 8.4%.

Another contributor to a loss in yield potential is insects. Some insects such as wireworms overwinter within the soil and begin to emerge during planting and early crop development stages. Wireworms will then feed on roots, seeds and young plants which puts stress on the crop and can lead to issues with emergence, plant stand and growth. When insects like wireworms feed on your crop’s roots and the seed itself, the result is a wilting, stunting or even killing of the plant.

It is often too late to treat your crop for these pests once the damage has been done, which is why the use of a seed treatment during planting is one of the best defenses against them. For in-season protection against wireworms and weak root development, a new insecticide seed treatment will be coming soon. Featuring active ingredient isocycloseram, an Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Group 30, this new seed treatment will protect cereals and pulses from early-season stressors.

Are you interested in learning more about isocylocersam once it is available for use? Sign-up to be one of the first to learn more.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. 

Isocycloseram is not yet registered for sale or use in the U.S. and is not being offered for sale.

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Are you ready for planting? To start the season off right, you need to consider planting depth and rate, soil moisture, weather conditions and historical pest pressure—to name a few factors!

Before you dust off the planter, go through our planting checklist to learn how to recognize the ideal conditions so you’re ready to take advantage of best-case timing. Read on for more corn and soybean planting tips, including the ideal planting depth and temperature.

An infographic with illustrations of corn seedlings, common weeds, and informative image examples with tips for planting tips to prepare to plant throughout.

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When thinking about planting wheat, be sure to consider how to help ensure even emergence and plant stand. Factors like early-season insect and disease pressure, soil temperature and uneven moisture levels can affect stand establishment and yield potential. It’s important to help set your crop up for a strong start because inconsistent stands can have consequences.

During planting, it is important to give your seeds and seedlings the best chance to grow while they are at their most vulnerable. There are a few factors to consider to help promote germination and seedling emergence, including soil moisture. A soil moisture of 1.2x the wilting point is needed for the wheat seed to successfully germinate. If the soil moisture falls below that level, germination may stall and damage to the seed could occur.

As plants begin to emerge, they must maintain a high level of photosynthesis to promote optimal growth and development. When uneven plant stands occur, smaller late-emerging plants are unable to receive the sunlight they need which negatively impacts yield potential. The yield lost from the smaller, weaker plants is not overcome by the larger, stronger plants. Less plant-to-plant variation helps increase yield potential.

In areas or fields with poor plant stands, you may need to endure the cost of replanting. Before making that tough decision, you must first assess your crop injury and stand establishment. Consider the existing yield potential based on the remaining plant stand and the additional costs associated with replanting before making your decision.

A quality seed treatment can help defend against early-season pest pressures while helping develop a strong plant stand. A new insecticide seed treatment in cereal and pulse crops will be available for use soon. Featuring active ingredient isocycloseram, an Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Group 30, this new seed treatment will help crops’ germination potential and plant establishment while managing wireworm pressures in your field.

Are you interested in learning more about isocylocersam once it is available for use? Sign-up to be one of the first to learn more.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

Isocycloseram is not yet registered for sale or use in the U.S. and is not being offered for sale.

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There are very few constants in farming, especially when it comes to planting. Soil temperature, moisture and disease are just a few variables that influence planting timing. Proper planning prepares you to take advantage of best-case timing and overcome worst-case scenarios.

Planting Prep Tip #1: Assess the Soil

Soil conditions are an important guide to planting preparations. Soil testing is a great and inexpensive first step as the results can eliminate surprises, like pH fluctuations, and indicate important nutrient levels, like phosphorus and potassium. These results help make economical fertilizer choices. Maximize the accuracy of the test results by choosing a reputable soil analysis laboratory and utilizing resources like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s guide to interpreting soil test results.

While sampling, take note of soil moisture in your fields. It’s tempting to start planting or tilling early despite soil moisture, but working soil that is too wet can lead to compaction and season-long consequences including:

  • Reduced plant stands caused by hindered root penetration and growth.
  • Increased runoff caused by decreased water infiltration.
  • Decreased nutrient use efficiency caused by limited nutrient movement in the soil.

Moist soils also provide a favorable environment to soilborne pathogens including Pythium and Phytophthora. These pathogens can cause seed rot, root rot, damping off and seedling blight, negatively impacting emergence, stand establishment and plant vigor. Seed treatments like CruiserMaxx® APX can help protect crops from these early-season diseases, while also enhancing root health and plant vigor for a faster, stronger, more uniform emergence.

Planting in dry conditions poses a different set of challenges. Inadequate or uneven soil moisture inhibits germination and prevents uniform stands, especially in corn. A deeper planting depth can help increase seed-to-soil contact and moisture uptake for a better stand once the soil warms up. Keep an eye on resources like the U.S. Drought Monitor for regional updates and adjust planting depth accordingly. In very dry or high-residue systems, planting deeper is less risky than hoping for rain.

Similarly, pay attention to the temperature forecast. Even if you plant in warm enough soils, temperature drops within the first two days of planting can delay germination and leave seeds more susceptible to disease. However, waiting too long to plant gives weeds an advantage.

Planting Prep Tip #2: Think About Timing

Although early planting may be advantageous for yield potential, planting too early can also be detrimental to your crops and bottom line. Planting occurs as early as March in the South and all the way through May in the upper Midwest. Regardless of your region, decide on planting timing by evaluating soil temperature and moisture — no matter what date the calendar says.

Corn Best Practices

Plant corn when soil temperature reaches a minimum of 50° F. When soil moisture is high, a planting depth of 1.5 to 2 inches is appropriate. In drier soils, plant deeper at 2.5 to 3 inches. Avoid planting depths of less than 1.5 inches to prevent root lodging.

Soybean Best Practices

Plant soybeans when the soil temperature reaches a minimum of 55° F at a depth of around 1 to 1.75 inches and no deeper than 2.5 inches. Planting soybeans too deep wastes energy and may inhibit emergence, especially under stressful or compacted conditions.

For both corn and soybeans, wait to plant until you expect the minimum temperature to be maintained for at least two days after planting, after which the risk of chilling is reduced.

Planting Prep Tip #3: Evaluate Weed Management Plans

Early-season weeds can significantly hinder crop growth, development and yield potential by stealing necessary nutrients and water. Before planting, reevaluate your existing weed management plan. Identify successes and setbacks, historical weed pressure and soil conditions, like flooding, that may have introduced new weed seeds.

A full label rate of a proven preemergence corn herbicide like Acuron® with multiple effective sites of action and strong residual control can help you start with a clean slate. Reach out to experts like your local Syngenta representative or retailer to troubleshoot your existing plan and adjust accordingly. Take this opportunity to ask questions and determine whether the fields have dried down enough to apply preemergence herbicides.

If you didn’t get to it after harvest, carve out some time to clean out your equipment. Weed seeds are notoriously hardy and any stowaways in your equipment can easily reenter the seed bed during planting. Try to accomplish this alongside your regular safety inspections before your anticipated planting window to ensure you are ready to go when the conditions are right.

Whether you choose to plant early or delay planting, waiting for optimal soil conditions often pays off in the long run. In the meantime, take stock of your soil conditions, prepare your equipment, and get in touch with trusted advisors to finalize your planting preparations.

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We’ve seen how severe drought conditions can unexpectedly appear and put soybean yields at risk. Drought stress can have several adverse effects on your soybeans, including reduced nutrient availability, leaf roll up and stunted root growth.

Even under drought conditions, disease management is key to retaining your bottom line. A well-timed fungicide application with added plant-health benefits can help protect your yield all the way to harvest.

1. Fungicides help keep plants greener, longer by improving light absorption rates.

With drought stress comes slower photosynthesis. This can lead to reduced plant size, decreased standability and lower nutrient levels. In this case, a fungicide can improve plant health by maintaining the leaves’ capacity for light absorption.

2. Fungicides can help crops in stressful dry conditions by improving water-use efficiency.

Fungicides can help to lower transpiration rates in leaves while maintaining photosynthesis — helping plants withstand drought stress conditions longer — while continuing to pack on potential yield.

3. Fungicides help increase harvest efficiency, by improving crop health and reducing pod shattering.

Improved water-use efficiency can also help improve pod fill and prevent plants from dying prematurely and pod shattering, which can help you have a more profitable and efficient harvest.

With a plant health fungicide application, you can rest assured that your soybeans are protected from disease and the effects of drought stress. For long-lasting control plus superior plant-health benefits, we recommend a preventive application of Miravis® Neo fungicide so you can see more green in your fields, on your yield monitor and in your wallet.

Miravis Neo is powered by ADEPIDYN® technology — one of the highest-performing SDHI modes of action available — which directly impacts your plant’s ability to transpire and retain moisture, thereby protecting your yield potential from the effects of disease and drought stress.

When you combine higher potential yield and greater harvest efficiency you also gain greater time and fuel efficiency, meaning a lower cost per bushel per acre and a better deal at harvest.

A graph showing average yield over untreated with Miravis Neo

Ready to see more green with your fungicide? See how Miravis Neo performed near you and explore local soybean trial results.

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Be on the lookout for a new disease threat: Red Crown Rot. Since it was first discovered in IL in 2017, Red Crown Rot has spread across the Midwest and KY and grown into an emerging disease threat. Unfortunately, you may not even realize it is in your fields because its foliar symptoms looks a lot like Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS).

Red Crown Rot is a soilborne disease that causes stand reduction, pre- and post-emergence damping-off and ultimately reduced potential yield. The USDA says stem symptoms begin as a darkened, maroon/brick red discoloration of the lower stem that typically begins at the soil line and extends up the stem several centimeters. Then, foliar symptoms begin appearing as interveinal chlorosis between R3-R5. It is often found on individual plants that begin to develop into larger patches within a field. Soil tillage from environmental pressures such as windy conditions can lead to the spread of infection.

What is the Difference Between SDS and Red Crown Rot?

“We’ve been dealing with SDS for close to 30 years now, whereas Red Crown Rot is somewhat new,” said Phil Krieg, Syngenta agronomy service representative in IL. “One key difference is that SDS tends to infect that seedling in cooler, wetter conditions at emergence time, while Red Crown Rot thrives a little bit better when the soil is warm.”

While SDS and Red Crown Rot both infect seedlings at planting and display similar foliar scorch, one way to scout for it is looking for the stem symptoms. Unlike the red/maroon discoloration at the soil line Red Crown Rot causes, SDS-infected stems have a normal white pith and tan/brown discolored upper roots/lower stems.

Additionally, soybeans exhibiting symptoms of SDS will likely hold their leaves until the yellowed, dead leaf material drop off, leaving only the petiole (the small leaf stem that attaches the leaflet to the main plant stem) attached to the main stem. However, plants exhibiting symptoms of Red Crown Rot will leave leaves crispy, curled and dead while remaining attached.

Protect Yield from SDS, SCN and Red Crown Rot

Saltro® fungicide seed treatment helps protect against SDS, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and Red Crown Rot* in eligible states via a 2(ee) label recommendation for Red Crown Rot suppression. The 2(ee) label recommendation has been approved in AR, IL, IN, IA, KY, MO, OH and TN. For more information about the advantages of Saltro, reach out to your local Syngenta retailer.

*Syngenta supports a FIFRA Section 2(ee) recommendation for Saltro for suppression of Red Crown Rot in AR, IL, IN, IA, KY, MO, OH and TN. Please see the Section 2(ee) recommendation to confirm that the recommendation is applicable in your state. The Section 2(ee) recommendation for Saltro should be in the possession of the user at the time of application.

Cover image: Red Crown Rot in soybeans. Photography courtesy of Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association.

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As you plan for next season, don’t overlook early-season diseases like Phytophthora. In 2021, 36 University Extension Plant Pathologists estimated an annual average of over 25 million bushels of soybean yield loss due to the disease1. This year, MN, OH, IA and other states reported high Phytophthora pressure, which could increase the risk of infection next year.

Phytophthora is one of the most destructive early-season pathogens and significantly limits plant stand establishment in soybeans. It not only reduces potential yield by killing seedlings and reducing the root efficiency of mature plants, but it can infect plants at any time during the planting and maturing stages, if the conditions are right.
Here are some tips to help you protect your soybean crops from heavy Phytophthora pressure:

  • Be aware: Knowing what to look for can help you minimize the damage Phytophthora causes in soybean fields. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends looking for symptoms at each season stage since the infection can occur from the beginning to the end of the growing season.
    • Early-season: Infected seedlings and plants will have stems that will likely appear bruised with yellowing leaves.
    • Mid-to-late season: Brown lesions may start to appear on the roots as they begin to rot. Leaves will continue to yellow and wilt, staying attached to the plant even after it begins to die.
  • Incorporate Phytophthora-resistant varieties: Planting Phytophthora-resistant varieties will set the foundation for managing the disease and protecting your soybean yield.
  • Review your field history: Relying on the historical data of your fields can significantly help you prepare for the yearly threats you face.
  • Use a robust seed treatment: Selecting a seed treatment that contains effective modes of action against Phytophthora and allows the establishment of seedlings and inherent native gene resistance will protect your investment.

CruiserMaxx® APX seed treatment protects against Phytophthora and other early-season insects and diseases, like Pythium. It has two highly effective Phytophthora protection active ingredients and combines proven protection with picarbutrazox (PCBX), a powerful Pythium and Phytophthora-fighting molecule.

Alt text: A bar chart showing the yield advantage provided by CruiserMaxx APX seed treatment.
Caption: 2018 Syngenta internal and external trials (TNA054A3-2018US); n=7: OH, IL, MI, KY, IA, NE, MN.

In an Ohio State University Phytophthora trial, CruiserMaxx APX was the only seed treatment to deliver a statistically different five-bushel yield advantage compared to the check treatment; the competitors included Lumisena™ and ethaboxam compounds, which did NOT beat the untreated check2.

For more information about the advantages of CruiserMaxx APX seed treatment, reach out to your local Syngenta representative.

1 Plant Health Progress 2021 Vol. 22 No.4 pp. 483-495

2 2018 Ohio State University Phytophthora trial; α = 0.05

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Warmer conditions and cooler evenings are the ideal conditions for two of the most significant lettuce diseases: powdery mildew and Sclerotinia rot. Early intervention with fungicides with multiple modes of action can reduce potential yield loss.

The University of California IPM Program cites powdery mildew, which damages leaves and reduces yield potential, as a serious threat to lettuce growers. Powdery mildew is easily identified by its characteristic white, powdery appearance on leaves, but by the time symptoms are exhibited it is often too late to prevent significant damage. Eryisyphe cichoracearum, the pathogen that causes the disease, thrives in warm, humid, and poorly lit environments. Greenhouses and lower leaves are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew. Early disease prevention is key to protecting lettuce early in the growing season.

Sclerotinia rot, commonly known as lettuce drop, may be caused by Sclerotinia minor or Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. S. minor thrives in moist conditions and infects stems at the base of the plant, causing a soft decay that destroys crown tissue. Crops infected by this pathogen will often wilt near maturity, so early intervention is essential. S. sclerotiorum, the more common pathogen, also causes lower-leaf infection but has aerial spores that infect upper leaves in cool and moist conditions. This rot occurs along with visible white mycelial growth in upper leaves. Under moist conditions, both pathogens can survive in soil for several years. The most effective protection against these diseases is a disease prevention program including multiple modes of action to fight disease resistance.

A bar chart shows improved control of sclerotinia rot in lettuce with Miravis Prime fungicide compared to untreated.
Miravis Prime fungicide offers strong control of Sclerotinia rot compared to other fungicides.

Miravis® Prime fungicide contains two active ingredients, fludioxonil and ADEPIDYN® technology, for difficult-to-control diseases in leafy vegetables. These powerful active ingredients distribute evenly across leaf surfaces to provide protection from powdery mildew, Sclerotinia rot and other yield-robbing diseases.

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The warm, humid climate in the Southeast can be a mixed bag for growers. On one hand, these conditions are ideal for producing high-yielding peanut crops. On the other, many diseases favor these conditions, creating an ongoing management challenge.

While their arrival time may vary, you can count on many of the same peanut diseases to show up year after year. Crop rotation plays a key role in white mold management, as Sclerotium rolfsii, its causal agent, remains in the soil between plantings and can quickly infest the next season’s crop. Leaf spot complex (early and late leaf spot) and Rhizoctonia are frequently found in fields as well. Without proper management, these diseases can cause poor stands and drastically lower yields, especially together.

When planning disease management programs, weather conditions are an important consideration. Tropical conditions like hurricanes can keep you out of your fields for days at a time and delay fungicide applications. Flexible solutions are necessary to produce high-yielding peanut crops in these dynamic conditions. Proven fungicides with long-lasting protection are a must.

Miravis® fungicide, powered by ADEPIDYN® technology, provides long-lasting preventive protection from disease, offering 21-28 days of control. Elatus® contains active ingredients SOLATENOL® and azoxystrobin, both of which provide preventive protection against soilborne and foliar diseases, including white mold.

When used together, Miravis and Elatus provide growers with one of the strongest long-lasting, broad-spectrum disease control options available. The ideal application time is around 60 days and again around 90 days after planting. This is the window when peanut plants are achieving their full growth potential and putting down pegs which will become pods.

Miravis and Elatus also help reduce trips across the field. A five-spray fungicide program with Miravis and Elatus provides better disease control and significantly helps increase yield potential compared to traditional six- and seven-spray programs.

A bar chart showing the value and performance delivered by Miravis and Elatus five-spray programs compared to seven-spray programs with other products.
Data based on 2019 UGA and consultant on-farm trials.

For added insurance, Alto® 100 SL fungicide is a good choice to follow a Miravis and Elatus program. A powerful triazole, Alto provides curative control of a variety of plant diseases. Alto also offers flexible application timing and is tank-mix friendly, making it a convenient option that can be used under a variety of conditions.

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