Seed treatments to help manage SDS in soybean

By Tyler Sabelli CCA-ON, CCS, 4R NMS
Crop Sales Specialist
AGRIS Co-operative - Leamington
Wanstead Farmers Co-operative

As early April approaches and we get into some longer and warmer days, growers are getting excited to hit the fields as soon as conditions allow. Many are busy completing planter maintenance or getting seed and crop protection needs in place to prep for the upcoming season.

We have had several discussions over the winter about different ideas on how to push for greater returns this coming year with strong commodity values.

Over the last couple of weeks, seed has been getting delivered to the farm. When we think of ideas on how to maximize yield potential, most will agree that several factors play a role including good fertility, soil management, hybrid and variety selection, weed management, planter setup, etc., to name a few. One huge factor that often gets overlooked is crop stress, which most of the time is out of our control. However, we can do our best to make decisions now which will help mitigate some of these challenges in-season.

In soybeans, Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) has become one of the largest yield-limiting diseases in Ontario. SDS is caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium virguliform.

Most growers can typically recognize and identify this disease if it shows up on their soybeans by its classic foliar symptoms of interveinal chlorosis or yellow scattered spots between the leaf veins.

It likes to present itself on tight soils or areas in the field that may be compacted or could stay saturated for an extended amount of time.

We have also seen it show up in areas with limited crop rotation and repetitive soybeans. This disease typically shows up later on in the summer, however, the earlier it shows up, the greater the yield impact may be.

SDS will often also associate with SCN (Soybean cyst nematode), another stress to Ontario soybean fields which could also have a significant impact on production.

Management strategies for SDS require an integrated approach over several years. The most effective ways to prevent the risk of this disease include the combination of the following:

• Improving field drainage and compacted areas in the field.Selecting the best genetics and SDS-tolerant varieties.
• Diversifying crop rotation.
• Reduce as many other crop stresses as possible. 
• Seed treatments.

As bulk soybean deliveries begin to make their way to your farm, take the time to think back on which fields may have a higher risk for SDS. Back in the Fall when seed orders were taken, sometimes these in-season stresses can be forgotten. 

Two seed treatment products* available to growers today that help manage SDS and SCN are:

• Ilevo – fluopyram : has shown to be effective in minimizing the impact of SDS and *Soybean Cyst Nematodes on yield potential. It protects against both the foliar and root-rot phases of the disease.
• Saltro – adepidyn : a new Group 7 fungicide that also provides action against SDS and protecting developing soybeans from early-season root infection.

*Always read and review product labels for PPE requirements.

In fields with a history of SDS or SCN, consider one of these two seed treatments along with your standard fungicide products (VibranceMaxx) to help minimize soil-borne diseases and overall plant stress.

As always, please contact your local AGRIS or Wanstead Crop Sales Specialist to discuss which seed treatments can help you manage these yield-robbing challenges like SDS and SCN.