Field Insights

Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Early-Planted Soybeans

When weighing the pros and cons of planting soybeans early, think ahead to protect your soybeans from Sudden Death Syndrome and defend your seed investment.

As more soybean growers begin planting earlier and earlier, you may be considering it for your own operation. However, the benefits of increased yield potential also bring an increased risk of disease. One to watch out for: Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS).

If SDS infects your soybeans, you may find yourself on the low side of the ROI spectrum. The University of Minnesota reports severe SDS infection can cause over 50% yield loss. And because SDS commonly infects soybeans planted in cool and wet conditions, early-planted soybeans are more susceptible to yield loss.

Regardless of your choice to plant early or later, we want to help you protect what matters most: your bottom line. While there are currently no in-season options available for treating SDS, here are some tips to protect your soybeans from it.

  • Plant in fields without a history of SDS to help limit the risk of disease infection from the cool, wet conditions.
  • Test your soil for Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN), a small parasite that feeds on roots and can open the door to SDS.
  • Plant SDS and SCN-resistant varieties.
  • Use a SDS seed treatment.

To help set a strong foundation for protection and growth, we recommend Saltro® fungicide seed treatment.

Saltro delivers upgraded SDS protection and robust SCN activity, without causing early-season stress, which could mean better protection for your early-planted soybeans. It also protects against Red Crown Rot**, in eligible states via a 2(ee) label recommendation for Red Cown Rot suppression. The 2(ee) label recommendation has been approved in AR, IL, IN, IA, KY, MO and TN.

Under moderate-to-high SDS pressure, Saltro delivers a four bu/A yield advantage over ILEVO®*. Talk to your retailer or Syngenta representative or visit WhySaltro.com to see local trial results and product reviews.

*U.S. trials with SDS pressure; 2015-2020. Trial locations: AR, IL, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, TN, WI. Trials with significantly different disease incidence/severity rating between Check and SDS treatment.

**Syngenta supports a FIFRA Section 2(ee) recommendation for Saltro for suppression of Red Crown Rot in AR, IL, IN, IA, KY, MO 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.

February 2024 | By Syngenta Thrive
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Early planting can help your soybeans maximize their yield potential.
  • But, it can also put soybeans more at risk for diseases, like Sudden Death Syndrome, and ultimately, yield loss.
  • Make sure you are protecting your return on investment (ROI) no matter when you plant, including utilizing a SDS seed treatment.