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Soybeans vs. Waterhemp: How to Win the Battle

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

Brad Burkhart, Market Development Specialist for Corteva Agriscience, says waterhemp is the number-one weed concern for most licensees. One reason is its rapid rate of growth, up to 2-3” a day under certain conditions. “That means you can’t afford to take the weekend off” when it comes to treating it, Burkhart says. Research shows that for every inch of weed growth, farmers lose 0.7 bu/A yield. So, 6” of waterhemp growth in $10 bu/A soybeans can cause a loss of $42 per acre! Waterhemp is also one of the toughest weeds to control because it’s resistant to six or more herbicide chemistries, including dicamba. This means growers must make preventing or treating waterhemp a priority.

Other weed threats include giant ragweed and marestail, plus some farms have pockets of Palmer amaranth. Burkhart says that if you have Palmer amaranth, that should be your primary concern since it can quickly take over a field. Luckily, the same approach he recommends for controlling waterhemp can be used on Palmer amaranth since they’re in the same weed class.

Burkhart recommends using a combination of herbicides for burndown, preemergent treatment and residual coverage. Group 14 (PPO) herbicides provide effective protection, especially when used in combination with a Group 5 chemistry. Keep in mind that this means a grower will need to commit to planting only soybeans on these acres. But Burkhart says it’s important to use a Group 14 product because there’s documented waterhemp resistance to so many other classes of chemistries.

Another combination Burkhart recommends is an Enlist One® herbicide-glufosinate tank-mix for treating waterhemp or Palmer amaranth in Enlist E3® soybean fields. “The beauty of those two in the tank is you get the best of both worlds,” he says. “Systemic control from Enlist One herbicide and contact control from glufosinate.”

Components of a program approach to soybean weed control

One key to successful waterhemp control is timely in-crop application — preemergent or, at a minimum, before plants reach 6” in height. Burkhart recommends using a pre-emergence product like Sonic® herbicide or Trivence® herbicide (Group 5 and Group 14 herbicides) for burndown and residual protection, followed by a Group 15 herbicide — EverpreX® herbicide or Enversa™ herbicide (coming in 2025) — 21 to 28 days later. This timing should prevent waterhemp germination. “Group 15 herbicides are essentially a soil barrier,” Burkhart says. “So, that chemistry can only control it if waterhemp hasn’t come up yet.” Burkhart warns that not using multiple MOAs or skipping the residual piece can increase the potential for herbicide resistance in the future.

“The tools we have today are our tools for the next three to five years, so we need to be good stewards of them,” Burkhart cautions. “Because if we’re not using multiple modes of action (MOAs), were going to find ourselves in a world of hurt in a few years.”

If waterhemp was a problem this year, document which fields had pressure and then make a plan for the fall and next season. Burkart says, “Combine the affected field last to prevent spread. Or look into rotation if you’re not using a Group 14.” It’s important to be good stewards of the technologies we have today and use multiple MOAs to protect their efficacy and help prevent the potential for resistance.

Burkhart has a number of tips for successfully treating waterhemp and similar weeds using Enlist® herbicide tank-mixes on Enlist E3 soybeans:

  1. Use a water volume of at least 15 gal/A for better herbicide coverage.
  2. Use AMS or an AMS replacement of at least 2 lbs./A.
  3. Use the right nozzle (check the list at Enlist.com) and spray in the upper third of the pressure range for consistent droplet size.
  4. Consider adding surfactants or adjuvants to the tank-mix depending on field conditions.
  5. If volunteer corn in soybeans is a concern, use a clethodim tank-mix with Enlist One herbicide, but be sure to increase the rate by a third to counteract any antagonism between the chemistries.

 

Article Link

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Following burndown, Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides with Colex-D® technology are the only herbicides containing 2,4-D that are authorized for preemergence and postemergence use with Enlist® crops. Consult Enlist® herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are not registered for use or sale in all states and counties; are not registered in AK, CA, CT, HI, ID, MA, ME, MT, NH, NV, OR, RI, UT, VT, WA and WY; and have additional subcounty restrictions in AL, GA, TN and TX, while existing county restrictions still remain in FL. All users must check “Bulletins Live! Two” no earlier than six months before using Enlist One or Enlist Duo. To obtain “Bulletins,” consult epa.gov/espp/, call 1-844-447-3813, or email ESPP@epa.gov. You must use the “Bulletin” valid for the month and state and county in which Enlist One or Enlist Duo are being applied. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency if you have questions about the registration status of Enlist® herbicides in your area. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW TO USE ANY PESTICIDE PRODUCT OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LABELING. ONLY USE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY LABELED FOR SUCH USE IN THE STATE OF APPLICATION. USE OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, 2,4-D-CONTAINING PRODUCTS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE WITH ENLIST CROPS, MAY RESULT IN OFF-TARGET DAMAGE TO SENSITIVE CROPS/AREAS AND/OR SUSCEPTIBLE PLANTS, IN ADDITION TO CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES. Additional product-specific stewardship requirements for Enlist crops, including the Enlist Product Use Guide, can be found at www.traitstewardship.com. Enversa™, EverpreX®, Sonic® and Trivence® are not registered for sale or use in all states. Enversa is not available for sale, distribution or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties in the state of New York. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. © 2024 Corteva. 022999 LC (10/24)

Field Facts: Palmer Amaranth

*This article was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

Originating in the southwest United States, Palmer amaranth is an invasive weed that continues to evolve. Over the last decade, Palmer amaranth has infiltrated the Midwest and made a name for itself as one of the most competitive weeds in corn, soybean and cotton fields across the country. This weed is a serious challenge due to its long germination period and rapid growth.

However, because Palmer amaranth, redroot pigweed and waterhemp all fall into the pigweed category, telling Palmer amaranth apart from other pigweeds can be difficult. The best way to minimize the threat of Palmer amaranth is to correctly identify new infestations and quickly initiate control measures.

 

Fast facts on Palmer amaranth

 

Control tips

Encourage customers to use a herbicide program approach with multiple modes of action and residual activity to control Palmer amaranth. This means including residuals in both the preemergence and postemergence applications. Additionally, timely applications (when weeds are small: 4” or shorter) are critical in reducing Palmer amaranth populations.

Corteva Agriscience offers several herbicide solutions so customers can tailor their weed control programs to fit their unique agronomic needs.

In addition to a strong herbicide program, customers can implement several cultural practices to control Palmer amaranth. Some of these include:

Work with your customers and your Corteva representative to identify which products and practices make the most sense to control Palmer amaranth in your area.

Identifying Palmer Amaranth

 

Article Link

Vollmer, K., and B. Beale. “A Guide for Identifying Pigweed Species Commonly Found in Maryland (EB-2023-0654).” University of Maryland Extension, 2024. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/guideidentifying-pigweed-species-commonly-found-maryland-eb-2023-0654/.
Hager, A. “Remain Vigilant for Palmer Amaranth.” farmdoc daily, July 18, 2018. https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2018/07/remain-vigilant-for-palmer-amaranth.html.
Legleiter, T., and B. Johnson. “Palmer Amaranth Biology, Identification, and Management.” Purdue Extension Local Faces, 2013. https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ws/ws-51-w.pdf

Corteva Agriscience and AI: Forging New Ground in the Seed Industry

*This article was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

 

It seems artificial intelligence (AI) comes up in the news everywhere you turn. From medicine to cars to social media, AI is involved somehow, and the seed industry is no exception. Recently, Groundwork spoke with Matthew Smalley, R&D Data Science Leader, Corteva Agriscience, to learn how Corteva uses AI in its research and development.

 

Q: Let’s start with a definition: What do we mean by AI in general and in the seed business in particular?

A: In general, AI involves using advanced analytics to automate and drive decisions. In the seed business itself, Corteva uses AI in discovery to find and create new products. In development we use it in analysis and evaluation of field-testing data for potential new seed products. We also use it in seed production and even in the product launch phase.

 

Q: How might AI aid licensees?

A: We’re working on a whole series of game-changing traits that I’m sure will be of great interest to customers when they
ultimately reach the market. In the big picture, AI helps do two important things in R&D. First, it expands the amount of discovery work we can do. We can look at many more possibilities. And secondly, we can use AI as a tool to advance new products through the pipeline with the goal of bringing them to market more quickly.

 

Q: When it comes to AI, where do people come in? Will computers do all the work?

A: I’m glad you brought that up, because that’s a common misconception. Even as we get more automated and AI-driven,
humans sit at the center of the process. This is what separates us from the competition: our knowledge and experience with
germplasm and seed coupled with advanced analytics. We understand farming. We understand seed production. That’s our starting point for our company and our people. AI can help us come up with more information and do it more quickly with greater reliability. However, it’s up to our people to turn that information into relevant solutions that help our customers.

 

Q: How are you using AI to develop new germplasm?

A: AI helps us automate decision processes. Here’s what I mean: Instead of conducting and analyzing initial crosses in the field, we are now able to do this early phase work in the computer with AI. We call this “in silico” research. AI can tell us which combinations of parents we should take to the field and test. Prior to AI, we had to do the field test first. The benefits are dramatic. AI can help us determine which crosses not to make. And so, we don’t make them. This means our year-one trials contain vastly more potential winners. Today, more than 90% of the germplasm we screen is done in silico. The result is improved productivity. We’ve made our pipeline bigger, widening that plant breeding funnel, and we can also shorten the time it takes to develop new products. AI helps us shave years off the front end. We can also conduct in silico research in multiple environments across wide areas over multiple years. From here we still do the intensive latestage field research testing and analysis. We don’t rely solely on AI to fully assess our pipeline products.

 

Q: How can AI be used in product development?

A: One example is satellite and drone imagery. Thanks to improved resolution, we can now use this imagery at the plot level. Contrast this with the early days of imagery where you could basically just see an overall farm. In the past, to see the progress of the plants you had to physically walk plots and fields. In the case of one individual plot, you could do that, what, maybe once a month? With this improved imagery we can check plots and fields much more frequently! This allows for close observation and analysis of the plant in its environment. AI coupled with satellite and drone imagery gives us high precision plant phenotyping. The bottom line is, we’re speeding up the collection and processing of data and doing more observations. All of this is producing results. The proof is that our products are much more agronomically sound than they were ten years ago.

 

Q: Is yield potential going to improve with AI?

A: That’s always the goal, of course. And AI can help us get there in several different ways. The first, which we’ve discussed, is by broadening the pipeline and speeding the development processes. The second area is one we haven’t talked much about – providing more information and better information about our seed products and how to manage them in the field. For years, we’ve been providing product information through scores of mostly 7, 8 and 9 on plant characteristics. Now, with AI, we will be able to share in-depth breeder knowledge of our hybrids and varieties to licensees for them to use with customers in a form that’s easy to understand and use. Nobody wants to learn ten different software packages. What they want is relevant and usable information they can readily incorporate into their production practices.

 

Q: What other progress can we expect from AI?

A: Novelty – the ability to create new, original, never-before-seen products. Let’s face it, we’ve been mining Bt proteins for, what, 20 years now? That’s given us some really good traits. But things evolve. Insects evolve. And with AI, we can now better understand the insect biology and then conceive of novel ways of addressing the problems these insects create. Understanding insects, fungal pathogens, weeds – once you can do that then you can design control traits, gene edits or biologicals that go right to that site. With AI, there’s a lot less trial and error. We can also use gene editing to put multiple disease-resistant genes together to create a higher level of disease tolerance in our hybrids and varieties. One example of gene editing success can be seen in our second generation reduced stature corn that was made possible, in part, by AI.

And in crop protection, pick your favorite herbicide class and using AI we can consider all the possible derivatives and do it more efficiently.

 

Q: It seems like this development of AI has required a considerable financial investment from Corteva. What can you say about that?

A: It’s true. And yet, my feeling is that when a customer buys a Corteva product, they’re actually investing their dollars back into us. And so, a purchase from Corteva comes with a promise that we will deliver a better product, one that will enable farmers to get more out of their investment in us.

 

Q: Any final thoughts on AI?

A: Yes, I think there is this common fear that AI is going to take over our jobs. I don’t see it that way. The way we use AI, the computers don’t do all the work. Instead, we’re putting the information generated through AI into the hands of our people, our best resource. AI is great, but ultimately it can only deliver these amazing contributions when it is combined with the knowledge and experience of our people.

 

Article Link

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2024 Corteva. 023004 LC (12/24)

Corn Herbicide Mode of Action

What is Herbicide Mode of Action?

Mode of action (MOA) describes the biological process (e.g., photosynthesis) or enzyme (e.g., ALS, or acetolactate synthase) by which an herbicide controls a susceptible plant (weeds). Other examples of MOA might be a description of the injury seen on a susceptible plant. Currently, there are eight modes of action for the commonly used herbicides in field corn production. Within a specific MOA, there may be more than one chemical family, and these can vary slightly in their chemical composition. However, control of susceptible weeds is by the same process, and symptomology may also be similar.

 

Understanding Mode of Action vs Site of Action for an Herbicide

Mode of Action and Site of Action (SOA) are often used interchangeably; however, there are differences. As described earlier, MOA describes a process or enzyme by which an herbicide works, while SOA refers to the specific biochemical or biophysical process in the plant that the herbicide disrupts to interfere with plant growth.

The MOA for an herbicide can be found on the product’s label. Often herbicides are described as belonging to a numbered group, which refers to a specific MOA. Table 1 is a summary of the herbicide MOA, SOA, and the numbered classification of common corn herbicides.

 

Importance of Multiple Modes of Action in Managing Herbicide Resistance

Knowing and understanding each herbicide’s MOA is an important first step in proper herbicide selection, diagnosing injury symptoms, and developing a successful weed management system. Relying on a single herbicide MOA, especially over consecutive years, can place heavy selection pressure on weed populations and can potentially result in reduced herbicide efficacy or resistance. Eventually, individual weeds that are resistant can reproduce and may become the dominate weed species in that field. Rotating MOA herbicides is one strategy that can help prevent or delay the development of weed resistance. Another strategy is to use herbicide products, or a combination of products, with different and overlapping modes of action. One example of a pre-mix herbicide product containing three different modes of action is TriVolt™ herbicide. It contains products from herbicide groups 2, 15, and 27. Overlapping modes of action is the use of two or more products that can control certain weed species; however, they do it through different processes.

 

Herbicide-Modes-of-Action-Table

 

Mode of Action Details, by Group, for Herbicides Commonly Used in Field Corn

 

MOA: Amino Acid Synthesis Inhibitors (Groups 2 and 9)

Acetolactate synthase inhibitors comprise a large class of herbicides. There are five chemical families within this group, with three of them having products labeled for field corn (Table 2). They control a broad spectrum of weeds, may be soil-applied or post-emergent, and typically have residual soil activity. By inhibiting the ALS enzyme, the plant cannot synthesize certain amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins and are required for plant metabolism to function properly. Absorption is through the roots and leaves. It can be translocated in both the xylem and phloem to the SOA at the growing point.

Glyphosate is the only active ingredient in Group 9 (Table 3). It is readily absorbed by the leaves and translocated via the phloem to the growing point. Glyphosate inhibits the EPSPS (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) enzyme which is used in the synthesis of three amino acids that are required by the plant for cell wall production. It is a non-selective herbicide with extremely limited soil activity.

 

Group-2-ALS-Inhibitors-Table

 

MOA: Growth Regulators (Groups 4 and 19)

Synthetic auxins are used primarily for broadleaf weed control. There are five chemical families in Group 4 with three having products labeled for field corn (Table 4). They are absorbed through the leaves and roots and can be translocated through both the xylem and phloem. They are called growth regulators because they mimic the natural plant growth hormone auxin, which upsets the normal hormone balance within the susceptible plant. Applications can be made pre-plant, pre-emergent, or post-emergent.

Group 19, auxin transport inhibitor, is comprised of one chemical family that disrupts the movement of auxin out of the plant cell at the growing point. When combined with a synthetic auxin such as dicamba, the herbicide can move into the cell but cannot move back out. Diflufenzopyr alone has very little herbicidal activity but enhances auxin containing herbicides when used in combination.

 

 

MOA: Photosynthetic Inhibitors (Group 5)

Group 5 consists of five chemical families with one, the triazine family, labeled for use in field corn (Table 6). Triazines are used to control broadleaf and some grass species. Typical application is soil-applied or early post-emergence and can be absorbed by roots or shoots. These herbicides inhibit photosynthesis by binding to a key protein within the plant cell structure which negatively affects processes and products necessary for the transport of chemical energy. Plants must be exposed to sunlight for this process to occur.

 

Group-5-Photosynthetic-Inhibitors

 

MOA: Nitrogen Metabolism Inhibitors (Group 10)

Group 10 has one chemical family with the active ingredient glufosinate that has broad spectrum weed control and no soil residual activity (Table 7). It inhibits the activity of the glutamine synthetase enzyme which the plant needs to convert ammonia to other nitrogen compounds. The result is an accumulation of ammonia, which along with decreased glutamine levels destroys plant cells and directly inhibits photosynthetic reactions.

 

Group-10-Glutamine-Synthetase-Inhibitors

 

MOA: Pigment Inhibitors (Group 27)

Group 27 herbicides inhibit chlorophyll production in the leaves by inhibiting the production of the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). Foliage on susceptible plants turns white, becomes bleached, and eventually die due to a buildup of certain molecules that destroy cell membranes. Three of the four chemical families within group 27 have active ingredients that are labeled for use in field corn (Table 8).

 

Group-27-HPPD-Inhibitors

 

MOA: Cell Membrane Disrupters (Group 14)

Group 14 herbicides inhibit the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), which is needed for chlorophyll synthesis. The group consists of three chemical families of which two are labeled for corn (Table 9). PPO inhibitor herbicides quickly form highly reactive compounds in the plants that rupture cell membranes and cause fluid to leak out. They provide selective control of broadleaf weed species. Thorough spray coverage is important for good weed control. These products do not translocate to the roots, so they lack long term control of perennial weed species.

 

Group-14-PPO-Inhibitors

 

MOA: Seedling Shoot Growth Inhibitors (Group 15)

VLCFA herbicides affect susceptible weeds before emergence but do not inhibit germination or control emerged weeds. The usual application timing is pre-emergence. The primary site of absorption for broadleaf and grass species are the roots and shoots, respectively. Enzymes needed for seedling growth are targeted by these compounds. They are not readily translocated within the plant. There are five chemical families in the group with two having labels for corn (Table 10).

 

Group-15-Very-Long-Chain-Fatty-Acid-Inhibitors

 

MOA: Seedling Root Growth Inhibitors (Group 3)

Group 3 herbicides consist of three chemical families of which one, the dinitroaniline (DNA) family is labeled for corn (Table 11). Dinitroaniline herbicides are usually applied pre-emergence to control annual grass and some broadleaf weeds. Absorption is through roots and shoots of emerging weed seedlings with germinating shoots being the primary site. Translocation is limited. These herbicides inhibit cell division in meristematic regions such as the growing points of stems and roots. Dinitroaniline herbicides are volatile and require incorporation through light tillage or irrigation.

 

Group-3-Microtubule-Assembly-Inhibitors

 

Article Link

Sources:
Armstrong, J. 2017. Herbicide how-to: Understanding herbicide mode of action. PSS-2778. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University. https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/print-publications/pss/herbicide-how-to-understanding-herbicide-mode-of-action-pss-2778.pdf

Timmerman, A., Nygren, A., VanDeWalle, B., Giesler, L., Seymour, R., Glewen, K., Shapiro, C., Jhala, A., and Treptow, D. Weeds: Mode of action. CROPWATCH. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soybean-management/weed-mode-action

Lancaster, S., Jugulam, M., and Jones, J.F. 2021. Herbicide mode of action. Publication C715. Kansas State University Research and Extension. https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/C715.pdf
Sprague, C. 2022. Herbicide classification. Take Action Herbicide-Resistance Management. United Soybean Board and Take Action partners. https://iwilltakeaction.com/uploads/files/62739-1-ta-hrm-classposter-update-17-425-fnl-hr-digital.pdf
Web sources verified 4-26-2023.
Legal statements ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Performance may vary, from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts of these conditions on the grower’s fields. TriVolt™ is a restricted use pesticide. Not all products are registered for use in all states and may be subject to use restrictions. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Check with your local dealer or representative for the product registration status in your state. Bayer, Bayer Cross and TriVolt™ are trademarks of Bayer Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www. BayerCropScience.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. ©2023 Bayer Group. All rights reserved. 1226_235701

The value of managing the soil microbiome

*This information was previously posted by Corteva Agriscience.

 

Soil_Functions

The tiny organisms beneath our feet can have a big influence on farm success.

From clays to silts to loams, every type of soil has one thing in common: It’s alive with microorganisms in a complex ecosystem. Taken together, these microorganisms make up a microbiome that has profound effects on the health of plants and the agroecosystem. With a deeper understanding of this microscopic world and the way inputs affect it, farmers can better manage their soils to optimize productivity.

 

Sorting out the beneficial and the harmful

When we’re thinking about protecting crops, it’s tempting to focus only on the pests in soil—the diseases, insects and nematodes threatening yield. But in healthy soils, these damaging pests are balanced by a range of beneficial organisms. The right soil management approach not only reduces harmful microorganisms, but promotes beneficial ones, which can, over time, contribute to naturally controlling these pests.

Soil Microorganisms Chart

 

Playing the long game

Once farmers understand the beneficial organisms and the pests at work in their soil, they can make targeted decisions about which modes of action and inputs might help control pests while enhancing beneficials. This kind of approach requires taking a long-term view of soil health.

Decisions about inputs, controls and management practices today can help to nurture healthier soils in subsequent seasons. Choices that contribute to a healthy microbiome can eventually lead to a more self-sustaining soil ecosystem. In these kinds of systems, beneficial organisms can naturally suppress pests and improve soil function, reducing the need for more inputs. Healthier soil is of course also better for crop production, delivering more nutrients to growing plants and helping farmers bring in better yields. The benefits to managing soil health extend far beyond reducing a pest threat to improve this season’s outcome. With an informed approach, soils can be healthier year over year—a process that takes patience but has a real payoff for farmers and the future of agriculture.

 

Check out future issues of Groundwork for more about the connection between healthy soils, farms, food and the planet.

 

ARTICLE LINK

 

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2023 Corteva.

Early Planting Needs High‑Quality Seed Treatments

The trend toward early soybean planting shows no signs of letting up. Despite what the groundhog may say, spring planting conditions may arrive early in many areas again this year, and some farmers will look to put soybeans in
the ground even ahead of corn. Of course, it’s not just cooperative weather that makes early soybean planting possible. Better seed treatment technologies are giving farmers more confidence placing seed in less-than ideal conditions. For farmers willing to go for it, early planting can produce worthwhile yield benefits, but this makes it more important than ever to offer the right kind of seed protection that’s up to the task.

 

Risks and rewards

Researchers used to think there wasn’t much to be gained from early planting, but that’s changed with more study in recent years. One examination of results in various regions across the Midwest, for example, saw a yield advantage of more than 6 bu/A on average with early planting. Researchers have also observed yield decline for each day past the
earliest planting windows.

Researchers think there are a few reasons why earlier soybean planting leads to better yield. For one, soybeans benefit from longer day lengths. Early planting puts soybeans in the best position to soak in the sunshine as the days grow longer. Earlier planting also appears to extend the reproductive length of soybeans. This allows more photosynthate to be produced, which directly impacts the number of seeds and pods on a plant. The more time a plant has to develop nodes that can become pods, the better the yield.

Of course, early soybean planting also carries risks. Placing seed into cold, wet soils makes it more vulnerable. Cold itself is a stressor, explained Andrew Stein, Corteva Agriscience Technical Sales Manager, Seed Applied Technologies, adding, “You also get more insect susceptibility, since there is a longer feeding period, and slower growth, as it takes longer for cotyledons to emerge from the soil.” Soilborne disease risks also increase with early planting, especially for water mold pathogens like Pythium and Phytophthora which cause damping off before seedlings have an opportunity to build an extensive root system. Pythium typically occurs before or right after emergence whereas Phytophthora will continue to cause stand loss well after emergence. Without proper protection, these threats can wipe out any possible yield advantage from early planting.

 

Disease and pest protection

To take on these kinds of early season planting challenges, seed treatments must be particularly effective and robust. Among the more advanced seed treatment options to hit the market are products from Corteva Agriscience Seed Applied Technologies. In soybeans, these include Corteva-exclusive Lumisena® fungicide seed treatment, a game changing option against Phytophthora, which is the top yield-robbing disease in soybeans. In fields with high susceptibility to Phytophthora, Lumisena shows a 4.0 bu/A advantage.* This can come on top of the potential yield bump from early planting.

Corteva also offers Lumiderm® insecticide seed treatment, which provides an 8% improvement in reducing plant stand gaps over the current insecticide option.** Lumiderm protects against bean leaf beetles, seedcorn maggot, aphids, white grubs, thrips and wireworms and can be paired with a neonicotinoid insecticide to broaden the protection and add another mode of action against key early season pests.

 

Protection Against Seedcorn Maggot

Only fungicide seed treatment: injured cotyledon

 

Lumiderm® insecticide seed treatment 0.57 fl oz/140k: well-protected cotyledons

 

Corteva offerings are compatible with many other seed treatments, such as ILEVO® for soybean cyst nematode control, allowing seed suppliers and treaters to customize protection packages for their customers.

 

Protecting your reputation

To maximize the potential from early season planting, the quality of seed treatments makes a big difference. Corteva seed treatments undergo extensive evaluation for efficacy as well as formulation, adherence to seed, plantability and other quality criteria. Even the polymers Corteva uses have to meet strict standards. This not only results in beautiful-looking seed, it ensures seed won’t get gummy or plug up the planter. Details like these can be differetiators for customers looking to you for their seed treatment options.

Consider, too, how the quality of seed treatments might affect later performance and product comparisons. If your seed is planted early alongside a competitor, you want to make sure your product has been given every advantage. In early planting situations, a poor showing can end up having more to do with seed not being adequately protected than anything in its genetic or agronomic profile.

 

Protecting profitability

Finally, if you have customers planting Enlist E3® soybeans, early planting may be particularly advantageous. The spray flexibility with Enlist® herbicides – no plant-back restriction after burndown, application through R1 growth stage – gives farmers more planting flexibility, too. Quality seed treatments also help protect the substantial investment your customers have made in their traited seed and maximize their returns.

More and more growers are interested in trying their hand at early season soybean planting. With the right support from your team, including high-quality seed treatments, you can give your customers the confidence they need to back up their planting dates and reap the rewards.

 

 

Article Link

Van Roekel, Ryan. “The Importance of Early Planting for Soybeans in the Midwest.” Pioneer Seeds. May 7, 2019. https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/early-soybean-planting.html.
* Data is based on 638 head-to-head comparisons between Lumisena fungicide seed treatment (0.568 fl oz/cwt) and metataxyl (0.75 fl oz/cwt) in the top 10 soybean-producing
states through Dec. 12, 2017, and subsequent replicated trials in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Comparisons were made utilizing the same soybean variety. DO NOT USE THIS OR ANY OTHER DATA FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF TRIALS AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN PRODUCT SELECTION.
** Significant yield improvement and reduction in plant stand gaps based on Corteva Agriscience research data 2018-2019, 73 locations. ™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Enlist Duo and Enlist One are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Lumiderm® and Lumisena® are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. ILEVO® is a registered trademark of BASF. Always read and follow label directions.
© 2024 Corteva.

 

Resilience in the Face of Extreme Weather

Severe storms, droughts, increasing temperatures, pests and changing rainfall patterns are only some of the elements that today’s farmers must juggle when crop planning and choosing soybean varieties. Extreme weather has been wreaking havoc on major crop-producing states in recent years and this pattern doesn’t appear to be letting up. An evaluation of “billion-dollar weather and climate disasters” over the last 43 years showed an annual average of 2.6 disasters in Illinois, 2.1 in Indiana and 1.8 in Iowa. In comparison to only the last five years, the annual averages jump to 6.2, 5.4 and 4.8 respectively — more than double the historic rate in each state. As the industry looks forward, corn and soybean technologies need to continue to evolve alongside changes in weather.

 

Weather-related crop damages: Looking at the numbers

 

Weather Map

Impact of Weather

 

A step in the right direction: Soybean traits and genetics

Considering the changing patterns of extreme weather, soybeans varieties continue to evolve. Modern soybean varieties are increasingly resistant to heat stress and drought or other extreme conditions. And the latest herbicide traits, like those found in Enlist E3® soybeans, also provide tolerance to multiple herbicides giving farmers more flexibility to battle what Mother Nature throws at them. But the innovations need to continue. That’s why Corteva Agriscience invests nearly $4 million in innovation every day. More than 5,000 R&D team members at over 100 research sites and 2,000 testing locations worldwide are dedicated to finding and delivering next-generation breakthroughs.

 

Article Link

1 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), “U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: United States Summary.” 2024. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/state-summary/US.
2NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), “U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters.” 2024. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/.
3 Licht, Mark. “Ponding Impacts on Soybean Growth and Development.” Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. ND. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/ponding-impacts-soybean-growth-development

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3® soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies L.L.C. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Always read and follow label directions. © 2024 Corteva.

 

Breaking Down the Tar Spot Life Cycle

Tar spot is a foliar corn disease that has recently emerged as an economic concern for corn growers. Recent data shows corn growers losing 20-60 bu/A in locations with severe tar spot.1 Symptoms include black oval or circular lesions developing on the corn leaf, hence the name “tar spot.”

Tar Spot

Environmental factors that favor disease development include cool temperatures, high humidity, frequent cloudy days and 7+ hours of dew at night. Tar spot symptoms appear 14-21 days after infection, and spore production can continue if conditions stay favorable.

Tar Spot Graphic

After the growing season, the infected tissue dries and is returned to the field at harvest. The fungus then overwinters in infected corn residue and has been proven to survive for more than one year. Unfortunately, managing corn residue doesn’t eliminate the risk of tar spot. Spores can still come from neighboring fields or from fields counties away. When favorable conditions return during the next corn growing season, new spores are released, starting the tar spot cycle over again.

Tar Spot Life Cycle

You can limit yield loss from tar spot and other corn diseases by choosing disease-resistant corn varieties, scouting fields frequently throughout the growing season and applying a fungicide when environmental conditions favor disease development. Choose a fastacting fungicide such as Aproach® Prima fungicide to protect your yield from tar spot.

QR Code for Tar Spot life Cycle Video

 

 

 

ARTICLE LINK

 

1 Malvick, D., and D. Telenko. “Strategic Farming 2023: Corn tar spot: Distribution, development and management.” 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75lvA-RKtpg.
™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Aproach® Prima may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.
© 2024 Corteva.

How Biologicals Complement Traditional Solutions

Your customers may be skeptical of biological products — and understandably so. “Unfortunately, the biologicals market has been plagued with products using claims that aren’t backed up by science,” says Ron Geis, Market Development Specialist, Corteva Agriscience. “Farmers who feel that they were taken advantage of are much more guarded to try products in this space.”

 

So, why biologicals?

Naturally occurring biological products with proven performance make a valuable addition to a diverse set of farming practices — whether your customers’ practices are completely organic, mostly conventional or simply focused on what works best for their farms.

“Current farming practices have brought us to the point where 2% of the population feeds the other 98%,” Geis says. “We know current practices work well. Adding biological products can help us continue with our productivity trends in a more natural and sustainable fashion as we push for even greater food security.”

Coupling biologicals with traditional practices is a positive step in addressing some of the societal concerns around how food is produced while continuing to supply more food for a growing population. Biologicals work through different modes of action than traditional products, so using them can help reduce resistance and give conventional products a longer use life on the farm.

“Our current chemistries are quite effective, but continued use has historically led to resistance,” Geis says. “Biologicals provide another avenue of management that helps prolong the life of both traditional chemistries and new biological solutions.”

 

Making the most of biological investments

A better understanding of biologicals and adherence to best practices can help maximize biological investments. Biologicals are natural — and in many cases — living products, so proper handling and storage are critical.

“Each biological product is unique, and proper handling can be the difference between a moneymaking proposition or lost profit potential,” Geis says.

Encourage customers to read the label closely before deciding if a particular biological product is right for their operation. What are the storage temperature requirements? Does the biological require refrigeration? What is the shelf life? Are there any tank-mix limitations?

After proper handling and storage practices are considered, biologicals also can be coupled with traditional solutions for a comprehensive crop protection approach to increase yield potential.

“One example of where we find better ROI with our nitrogen-fixing product Utrisha® N nitrogen efficiency optimizer is when it is applied to acres that receive Instinct NXTGEN® or N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizers,” Geis says.

Instinct NXTGEN and N-Serve work below ground, maximizing nitrogen’s effectiveness with up to eight more weeks of availability in the soil.

Utrisha N is an alternative supplemental nitrogen source that can be tank-mixed with many crop protection products — such as fungicides and herbicides — to increase crop yield potential. By capturing nitrogen from the atmosphere for crops to use, Utrisha N can even replace part of the sidedress-applied nitrogen fertilizer requirements, particularly in areas where nitrogen loss is common due to issues like heavy rains or light, sandy soils.


See why this Illinois retailer recommends testing out a biological product such as Utrisha N.

It’s important to note that all Corteva Agriscience products go through years of testing to ensure they consistently deliver results. Corteva biologicals complement the products you already trust, working to enhance the success of your customers’ crops.

 

ARTICLE LINK

 

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Instinct NXTGEN®, N-Serve® and Utrisha® N are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions. © 2024 Corteva