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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

Weed Spotlight: Giant Foxtail

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

Many fields in the Midwest have a mixture of giant, yellow and green foxtail. However, giant foxtail often emerges before planting and accounts for more yield loss than yellow or green foxtail at similar densities. In fact, this clumping summer annual grass ranks among the most problematic grass weeds across North America. Arm your customers with the information that follows to help them protect their yield potential before this pest escapes control.

 

Common name: Giant foxtail

Scientific name: Setaria faberi

Leaf shape: Long, thin and ovular with pointed ends

Flowers: Cylindrical seed head with bristles. The seed head is usually green in color, is 3 inches to 8 inches in length and often droops in an arch shape.

Reproduction: Seeds, germination occurs in spring

 

 

 

GIANT FOXTAIL FACTS

 

CONTROL TIPS

 

Giant foxtail can be a giant problem, but it doesn’t have to be. As a licensee, you can partner with your local Corteva Agriscience account manager to identify the most effective products and practices to share with your customers and help them ensure top control of giant foxtail and other problem weeds in your area.

 

Article Link

 

1 “Giant Foxtail,” Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Weeds, Accessed January 13, 2026, https://www.canr.msu.edu/weeds/extension/giant-foxtail.
2 Sharon Clay, “Identification of South Dakota Grass and Grass-Like Weeds of Importance,” SDSU Extension iGrow Soybean Best Management Practices, 2019, https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2020-03/S-0004-30-Soybean.pdf.
3 C. Rankrape et al., “Giant Foxtail,” GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds), 2025, https://growiwm.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Giant-Foxtail-Factsheet.pdf.

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2026 Corteva. 034058 LC (03/26)

 

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)

On the Frontlines: Battling Red Crown Rot in Soybeans

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

Red crown rot (RCR), a fungal disease of soybeans, has been a yield-reducing threat in the southern U.S. for decades. Recently, however, alarms have been sounding in the Midwest as it bears down on northern fields with both breadth and speed of movement. In 2018, RCR was confirmed in Illinois, later spreading to Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri. Illustrating the disease’s troubling expansion, three new states — Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin — confirmed their first cases just this past year. The methods of its spread in the Midwest aren’t completely understood, though it’s theorized that the exchange of used equipment containing contaminated soil has sped up the process. With possible yield losses ranging from 25% to 70% and no known rescue treatments, one thing is certain — RCR demands serious attention.¹

Red crown rot in soybeans is best identified by its perithecia — the characteristic tiny red balls — that form on the crown and stem of the plant near the soil line.

 

 

Spotting the threat: Symptoms and confirmation

Farmers can identify RCR by its signature tiny, red, ball-shaped fungal structures, called perithecia, that form on the plant crown and roots, giving off a scarlet appearance. Under wet conditions, these perithecia can reach above the soil line on the stem. White, thread-like filaments called hyphae may also grow on an infected plant, and the pith of the crown may look grayish in color. This stealthy, soilborne threat deteriorates the stem and roots, meaning RCR infection often goes undetected until after the R3 stage when plant leaves yellow and wilt. In severe cases, plants wilt and die prematurely while the leaves remain attached. However, root and stem rot can occur without affecting leaf appearance at all, making it tough to spot. RCR often shows up in the field on single plants or in small, infected patches spaced randomly throughout the field. Soybeans with severe root rot can be easily pulled up, and they may be infected by more than one pathogen.

Misidentification of RCR may hinder efforts to control it. Not only do its telltale leaf symptoms often “hide” until later in the plant’s life, but when they do show, they mimic the look of sudden death syndrome (SDS). In addition, other factors can cause reddish stem discoloration of soybeans. “Eyeballing it” from a distance won’t do the job. The plant’s crown and roots must be examined closely to confirm the presence of the fungus.

Resembling SDS, red crown rot causes interveinal chlorosis — a yellowing pattern of the leaves with the veins remaining green. Necrosis follows. Stem and crown inspection are needed to correctly identify the cause.

Resembling SDS, red crown rot causes interveinal chlorosis — a yellowing pattern of the leaves with the veins remaining green. Necrosis follows. Stem and crown inspection are needed to correctly identify the cause.

Tracking the danger: Infection and spread

RCR favors warm, wet conditions, with the disease preferring soil temps between approximately 77°F and 86°F. Wet conditions following planting encourage its growth, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Severity of infection can increase with the presence of pathogenic nematodes which damage plant roots, providing the fungus with additional entry points. RCR overwinters in the soil as microsclerotia — capable of surviving several years in the absence of a host crop. Microsclerotia spread via plant debris and infected soil, often transported by wind, on farming equipment or on livestock. Secondary spreading can occur during the growing season via spores ejected from the fungus and distributed during rains by runoff and splashing.

 

Battling back: Management strategies

RCR is a formidable foe, especially since rescue treatments don’t exist. Current management techniques focus on reducing the opportunities for RCR to take hold. Avoiding late-planted and double crop soybeans is one tactic, since warmer earlygrowth soil temps during these situations can increase the possibility for RCR infection. Rotating crops helps diminish the microsclerotia load in the soil, while appropriate soil drainage can decrease the possibility of infection. Another method focuses on controlling pathogenic nematodes to help decrease the severity of RCR by using tools like Lumialza® nematicide seed treatment. A biological nematicide seed treatment, Lumialza protects against key crop-damaging nematodes for up to 80 days or longer. By creating a large, living bio-barrier of protection around an expanding area of root growth, Lumialza provides safe and effective protection to vulnerable seedlings through reduction of nematode injury and increased root biomass.

As red crown rot continues its expansion across the Midwest, proactive management remains your customers’ best defense. Integrating cultural practices like crop rotation and soil drainage with tools like Lumialza nematicide seed treatment can meaningfully lessen the disease’s impact. While there’s no cure-all for this disease, providing these strategies to your customers can help them protect stands and sustain their productivity.

 

¹ Rhonda Brooks, “Red Crown Rot Rising: What Every Soybean Grower Needs to Know For 2026,” Farm Journal AgWeb, November 18, 2025, https://www.agweb.com/news/crops/soybeans/red-crown-rotrising-what-every-soybean-grower-needs-know-2026

 

Article Link

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies.
Lumialza® 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.
© 2026 Corteva. 034065 LC (05/26)

 

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

2,4-D in Corn: Setting the Record Straight

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

As you’re talking to farmers about PowerCore® Enlist® corn, you may hear some common misconceptions about 2,4-D. The good news is these myths are pretty simple to clear up. This handy myth-busting guide can help you overcome objections in sales conversations and open more customers up to the opportunities of planting PowerCore Enlist corn.

Myth: You can’t spray 2,4-D past early post stage.

Reality: PowerCore Enlist corn is tolerant to 2,4-D choline in Enlist® herbicides, allowing you to spray up to 30” corn. (And if you’re using drop nozzles, up to 48” corn.) That’s a longer window than when using older forms of 2,4-D on corn without the Enlist® corn trait. Also, Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® herbicides are the only 2,4-D-containing herbicides that you can spray on PowerCore Enlist corn. Generic forms like 2,4-D amine and 2,4-D ester are not authorized.

 

Myth: 2,4-D injures emerged corn.

Reality: The Enlist trait in PowerCore Enlist corn confers robust tolerance to 2,4-D choline in Enlist herbicides. When used according to the label, there’s no risk of twisting, brittleness or brace root injury that you might have experienced with older forms of 2,4-D in non-Enlist corn.

Myth: 2,4-D isn’t as effective in burndown.

Reality: The burndown rate for traditional 2,4-D is 0.5 lb ae/A. The Enlist herbicide burndown rate is 1.0 lb. ae/A. This higher rate is much more effective.

 

Myth: You can’t spray a grass herbicide on corn.

Reality: PowerCore Enlist corn is tolerant to four herbicides: 2,4-D choline in Enlist herbicides, glyphosate, glufosinate and FOP herbicides. FOP tolerance in corn is a new development, allowing you to spray Assure® II herbicide to control grasses

 

Myth: Glufosinate doesn’t fit with corn.

Reality: The Enlist® weed control system allows you to diversify herbicide modes of action. In cases of resistant weeds, Enlist One herbicide plus glufosinate is one of the most effective post tank-mix solutions on the market to fight emerged waterhemp and pigweed.

 

Myth: Using 2,4-D in both soybeans and corn will only create resistance issues.

Reality: When used properly as part of a program approach, applying 2,4-D to corn is a tool to lessen resistance development to traditional corn herbicides. Sustainable programs are achievable. Enlist herbicide use recommendations always include residuals and incorporating multiple modes of action in post applications to reduce resistance risks and keep this technology working for the long term in both corn and soybeans.

¹ FulTime® NXT and Keystone® NXT are Restricted Use Pesticides. ² Not all FOP herbicides are labeled for use in Bt corn products with the Enlist® trait. Before use, review the product label to ensure the product is labeled for use on Bt corn with the Enlist® trait.

 

Article Link

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. 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. POWERCORE® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. POWERCORE® multi-event technology developed by Corteva Agriscience and Monsanto. Always follow IRM, grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Bt products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your seed representative for the registration status in your state. FulTime® NXT and Keystone® NXT are federally Restricted Use Pesticides. FulTime NXT, Keystone NXT, Kyro™, Realm® Q, Resicore®, Resicore® XL, SureStart® II and Surpass® NXT are not registered for sale or use in all states. FulTime NXT, Keystone NXT, Kyro, Resicore, Resicore XL, SureStart II and Surpass NXT are 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. ®Assure II is a trademark of AMVAC Chemical Corporation. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of BASF. ®Roundup and Roundup Ready are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. Always read and follow label directions
© 2024 Corteva

 

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.

 

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More Modes of Action for Powerful Pest Protection

*This content was previously published by Corteva Agriscience.

The first generation of Bt traits were introduced in 1996 to protect corn against stalk-boring insects. Pest protection has come a long way since, and today’s products, such as PowerCore® Enlist® corn, offer multiple Bt traits to help provide effective pest protection for control of susceptible insect populations with an integrated refuge.

Bt corn hybrids express insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) — a common soil bacterium. Different Bt proteins work against different types of insects, such as lepidopteran insects (European corn borer) or beetles (corn rootworms). Using corn hybrids with different Bt proteins — like you’ll find in PowerCore Enlist corn — can help preserve efficacy since insects are less likely to develop resistance to more than one toxin at the same time

Some insect populations have been reported to have decreased susceptibility to certain Cry1 traits, which are used in many above-ground technologies. PowerCore Enlist corn includes three proteins: Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab and Cry1F. The mode of action such as (Cry2Ab) slows down resistance development against certain pests. The combination of traits in PowerCore Enlist corn includes three modes of action, helping provide trait durability for better long-term management of pests. Multiple MOAs are useful for protecting against variable insect pressures and against pests that are problematic in specific regions, including sugarcane and southwestern corn borers.

Another benefit of multiple Bt traits in one hybrid is a smaller refuge requirement. The original single-trait Bt products required large, structured refuges of 20%‑50%. But combining of Bt such as those found in PowerCore Enlist corn, increases product durability and allows for a reduced refuge requirement of only 5%-10%.*

Corn hybrids with a pyramid of Bt proteins, like those found in PowerCore Enlist corn, can be helpful for customers facing multiple pest pressures who want to preserve the long-term efficacy of their insecticide options. Learn more about PowerCore® Enlist® corn

 

* In EPA-designated cotton counties, additional 20% corn borer refuge is required

 

Article Link

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. POWERCORE® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. POWERCORE® multi-event technology developed by Corteva Agriscience and Monsanto. Always follow IRM, grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Bt products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your seed representative for the registration status in your state. Product responses can vary by location, pest population, environmental conditions and agricultural practices. Please contact your Corteva Agriscience sales professional for information and suggestions specific to your operation. Individual results may vary. Various factors, including pest pressure, reduced susceptibility and insect resistance in some pest populations may affect efficacy of certain corn technology products in some regions. To help extend durability of these technologies, Corteva Agriscience recommends you implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices such as crop rotation, cultural and biological control tactics (including rotating sources of Bt‑protected corn traits), pest scouting and appropriate use of pest thresholds when employing management practices such as insecticide application. You must also plant the required refuge when using these technologies. Please contact your sales professional or consult with your local university extension for more information regarding insect resistance management guidelines, best management practices and to understand whether there has been a shift in susceptibility or insect resistance with certain pests documented in your area. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are registered trademarks of BASF. ®Roundup and Roundup Ready are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. Always read and follow label directions
© 2024 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.