Q: What’s the outlook for soybean seed supply in 2021?
I’m certain this concern stems from the uncertainty about the registration of the Xtendimax®, Engenia® and FeXapan® herbicides, as well as the tough time we had this year getting production acres planted, especially in the Dakotas. I’m happy to report that planting went well enough that we expect good supplies of all trait versions. If demand for Xtend soybeans falls off, demand will likely increase for E3’s. Order your E3 soybeans early, so you don’t have to worry about supply.
Q: Is it necessary to inoculate soybeans every year?
Since the early 1970s, researchers have believed that inoculating soybean seed isn’t necessary unless soybeans haven’t been planted in the intended field for four or five years. Today, data shows new products, formulations and even biologicals are consistently increasing yields. This is especially true in areas – like sandy soils, fields that are consistently flooded and even those that are consistently dry – where soil bacteria have a tougher time getting established. Latham’s Northern Product Specialist, Gary Geske, recommends testing some of these newer products in your own fields.
Q: What’s the status of Alite™ 27 herbicide?
BASF in April was granted registration of this herbicide, which is intended to be used as a pre-plant or pre-emergent herbicide on LLGT27 or GT27 soybeans only. Originally, BASF was hoping it would also be labeled for post-emergent use, but that will have to wait until there is more information made available. Additionally, South Dakota is the ONLY state within Latham Country where farmers can use Alite 27 and then only in these counties: Aurora, Beadle, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, Clark, Codington, Hand, Harding, Jerauld and Spink. The Alite 27 label mentions Product Bulletins for Minnesota and Wisconsin, but my understanding is these are for counties in those states where soybeans are not normally grown. BASF is hopeful more counties will be added.
Q: How do XtendFlex® soybeans differ from Xtend®?
XtendFlex is the newest trait innovation from Bayer CropScience (formerly Monsanto). These soybeans carry tolerance to glyphosate (Roundup, Glyphos, etc.) and dicamba (Xtendimax, Engenia, etc.) herbicides just like the Xtend soybeans do. In addition, they are tolerant to gluphosinate herbicides like Liberty or Ignite. This will be another three-way stacked herbicide tolerant trait that farmers can use to fight weed resistance. Full acceptance is expected soon but is dependent on final clearance by the European Union. All other major soybean-importing countries have given their approval. As a side note: Latham Seeds has an EPA-stewarded XtendFlex plot at our research farm this year. It is similar to the plot we had in 2019 but contains about twice as many XF varieties. Stay tuned for more about this exciting new technology.
Tune into our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for more great QA sessions with Latham agronomy experts.
August is a great time to assess potential risks of corn rootworm infestations in the following spring. By looking at the population of adult beetles found in corn fields now, farmers can identify potential problem fields for the following growing season. This can be a useful tool in overall management of corn rootworm.
While walking fields this summer, our product team is seeing populations of corn rootworm adults. Predominantly, we see Northern Corn Rootworm in our market area. (Adult Fig. 1) This season we have seen populations of Western Corn Rootworms, (Adult Fig. 2) as well as a few Southern Corn Rootworms (Adult Fig. 3).
Assessing Corn Fields
Look in corn fields that may be planted to corn next spring, as well as in soybean fields for high beetle populations. If you did not place sticky traps to catch or monitor beetles beginning at pollination time, spend a little time in your fields looking for evidence of adult populations that are still present.
The primary/desired food source for corn rootworm beetles are the fresh silks of pollinating corn plants. If we have early flowering, as we have seen this season, we may not see an abundance of feeding at that time. Beetles, however, will feed on leaf tissue of corn plants if the source of fresh green silk is no longer available. The adult phase of the corn rootworm cycle begins at the end of June and can last all the way to the first killing frost. The egg laying period can last from late July through August.
When assessing corn fields at pollination time, focus on beetle counts found on silks of corn plants. When assessing corn fields in August and early September, focus on beetle populations that remain on any silks and look for leaf feeding. (Fig. 4) Make note of fields with high numbers of adults and significant leaf feeding. Consider rootworm management tools in those fields that will be corn next year.
Assessing Soybean Fields
Rootworm beetles feed on weedy areas: field edges, weedy areas in drowned-out spots, weed escapes etc. including soybean plants, alfalfa and prairie grass fields (CRP). Western Rootworm beetles are more likely to lay eggs in soybean fields, but Northern Rootworm beetles may do the same. Sweep net catches in soybeans or evidence of leaf feeding are best ways to assess populations.
Protocols and population threshold advice can be found on your state’s Extension Service website.
If you identify fields that may have potential rootworm problems next spring, consider using hybrids containing rootworm protection traits. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has an exceptional group of hybrids, ranging in relative maturing from 96 to 115, to manage corn rootworm. We introduced six hybrids with SmartStax® technology to help our customers manage this important corn pest for the 2021 planting season. Visit with your local Latham dealer or visit www.LathamSeeds.com to check out these new hybrids.
Late-Summer Insect Management Helps Alfalfa Plants Prepare for Winter
We work so hard to help crops to reach their yield potential. There is so much promise when a crop emerges from the ground… and then the uninvited bugs show up to the party robbing yield and causing disease. The chart provided reviews the life cycle of these yield-robbing insects.
The 2020 alfalfa bug of the year so far is the weevil. It’s only about a quarter-inch long, but these little weevils can do big damage! If you don’t see the alfalfa weevils, you’ll notice their presence. Look for pinhole or lacing-type feeding damage on leaves.
Weevil numbers can resurge quickly in the fall, and we have third and fourth cuttings of alfalfa to protect. It’s important to protect the crop in late summer, so tissue is intact to ensure the alfalfa plants capture nutrients required to overwinter.
Consider your spraying options if you see plant damage or notice the presence of weevils and other pests. As temperature cool in the fall, it’s more challenging to control pest populations because insecticides must come into contact with the bug. A bug’s activity levels decline as temperatures decline. Bugs may move toward the hard to reach, lower portion of plant.
Fall Seeding
Seeding earlier is better because it helps ensure good crown development. If there is a delay in moisture, seeding earlier increases the window of getting rain to facilitate rapid emergence. Remember, it’s important to get a good crown developed to prevent winterkill.
Now is a great time to tentatively plan which acres will be seeded and line up your seed. Below are a few considerations for late summer and early fall seeding:
Herbicide carryover. There have been many surprises in cover crop and fall alfalfa seeding. The seed will emerge. Once the radicle comes into contact with the carryover herbicide in soil, the plant dies. Here is a guide of some commonly applied spring herbicides and rotation restrictions: https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2019-08/P-00124.pdf
Seed-to-soil contact ensures the seed quickly gets moisture. Quick emergence is critical in the fall.
Time can be your friend or enemy. Alfalfa breeders suggest fall seeding is complete by August 15 if you are roughly north of Interstate 90 and by September 1 if you are south of I-90. The later you start, the more risk you encounter for establishing the crown. Alfalfa seed is an investment worth protecting.
Latham’s AlfaShield™ seed treatment helps draw moisture to the seed. There’s a reason our ads read: Emerge Fast. Grow Strong. Yield MORE! Alfalfa seed must imbibe at least 125% of its weight in moisture to germinate, but it needs more available moisture to sustain growth. AlfaShield also contains key micronutrients and a growth promoter called Optimize Gold that accelerates early nodulation to speed up capturing nutrients. This process is critical to getting those desired nutrients and carbohydrates into the crown for winter survival.
Fall seeding is a great way to get a jump start on next spring’s work and to capture more yield. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Are soybean fungicides worth it? Tune in while Phil Long discusses the benefits of soybeans fungicides and various pest pressures present in the field. #LathamSeeds
Considerations for Applying Foliar Fungicide to Soybeans
The use of foliar fungicide on soybeans during any growing season is a tough decision. There are many factors that enter into the equation like growth stage of the crop, weather, presence of diseases and history of the field.
Years ago, when fungicides were first made available for post-emergent application on soybeans, many farmers took a “shotgun approach.” Rather than scout their fields, they applied fungicide as more of an insurance against disease. We’re seeing the effects of those decisions as many diseases are becoming resistant to fungicides, especially those in the Qoi (Quinone outside inhibitor) family, commonly called the strobilurins.
Before pulling the trigger on using any foliar-applied fungicide on soybeans, I encourage farmers to walk their fields or hire a competent scout. Here are a few ideas and suggestions for the more common soybean fungal diseases that show up in Latham Country:
White Mold, or Sclerotinia Stem Rot, is widespread across our territory. Infection usually occurs at or just after the R1 (flowering) stage during periods of high humidity and temperatures below 85° Fahrenheit. Look for leaves that are starting to turn yellow after R1 but well before normal senescence should happen. Once leaves turn brown and the stem starts to develop that white, cottony growth leading to dark sclerotia (like mouse droppings) along the stems and pods, it is too late to save that plant. Research from the University of Wisconsin indicates that applications of foliar fungicides registered for use against White Mold can be helpful if applied in the R1 to R3 stage. If you miss the target window for application and the disease becomes severe, harvest that field last so you don’t spread the sclerotia to your other fields.
Septoria Brown Spot is found in most fields in Latham Country but it’s seldom the primary source of lost yield. It can, however, contribute to overall yield loss in fields where Fusarium Root Rot is a problem and when damage from Soybean Cyst Nematode is severe. Severe infestations also can occur in the early part of the season where rainfall is over-abundant. Symptoms are small, irregular-shaped spots on leaves and typically start in the lower canopy and can show up as early as V2 stage and as late as R6. Leaves that are severely infected will turn prematurely yellow and drop from the plant. If warranted, foliar fungicides can be helpful when applied at the R3 to R5 growth stage.
Frogeye Leaf Spot is caused by the Cercospora sojina fungus. Symptoms appear as small, round gray spots on the upper leaf surface with dark reddish-brown borders. Infection can occur anytime throughout the season but is most common after flowering and after periods of warm, humid weather. Check the upper canopy of plants, especially in the R3 to R6 growth stage. Iowa State researchers have shown that an application of a foliar fungicide containing two or more different active ingredients at R3 is fairly effective in reducing the severity of Frogeye Leaf Spot damage. Application of a product containing only strobilurin chemistry (Qoi) was not effective at all due to resistance.
Bob HartzlerBy Bob Hartzler, Extension Weed Scientist, ISU and
Angie Rieck-Hinz, Extension Field Agronomist, ISU
Nearly everyone agrees that dicamba injury to susceptible soybean is worse in 2020 since the introduction of dicamba-resistant soybean in 2017, and even since dicamba was first registered in the 1960s. Dicamba injury can occur from particle drift, volatilization (vapor drift), use of sprayers contaminated with dicamba residues, and movement of the herbicide with water running off treated fields. While not always easy, the first step in dealing with dicamba injury should be determining the most likely source of dicamba.
Angela Rieck-Hinz
In several areas of the state, including north central Iowa, it is apparent that volatilization of dicamba was a leading cause of soybean damage. All susceptible soybean fields in many neighborhoods were damaged, and the injury was uniform from fencerow to fencerow in many, if not most fields. When particle drift is responsible for injury, damage to soybean is usually most severe near the field sprayed with dicamba and lessens as distance from the treated field increases. If a contaminated sprayer was the source, injury typically is worse where sprayer overlaps occur and absent where skips occur in the field.
So why were problems so much greater in 2020 than the first three years of using dicamba in soybean? We believe several factors contributed to the problem. First, corn and soybean planting occurred at a near record pace – 94% and 66% of soybean were planted by May 3 in the region, resulting in the crops emerging and developing together early in the season. Dicamba use in corn has increased in recent years due to a continued spread of herbicide resistance, and in many fields dicamba applications were made later in corn than normal after earlier treatments failed to provide control. Dicamba products used in corn do not have separation or downwind application setbacks and these formulations are known to be more volatile. These factors resulted in dicamba being applied to both corn and soybean fields in an area at the same time, dramatically increasing the amount of dicamba available to move into the atmosphere.
In addition to increased dicamba use, weather conditions made it difficult to complete postemergence herbicide applications during favorable conditions. At Kanawha, in the first two weeks of June there were only 40 hours with wind speeds allowable for dicamba applications in soybean. This resulted in large amounts of dicamba being applied in a short time frame. In addition to high winds, high temperatures were common throughout June and the lack of rain left dicamba on soil and plant surfaces where they can evaporate and move off the field into adjacent areas.
The combination of increased dicamba use across the landscape and favorable conditions for volatilization led to a process that has been called atmospheric loading. Rather than dicamba moving from a single field during or after application, it is thought injury to susceptible plants is due to dicamba coming from multiple fields in an area. The quantity of dicamba leaving a single field might not have been sufficient to cause an adverse plant response, but the dicamba moving from multiple fields exceeded the threshold needed to cause injury.
What should you do if you suspect you have injury to susceptible beans, trees, gardens, horticultural crops or other susceptible plants? Your first step is to review your own herbicide use in corn and beans or weed control in road ditches to assess if you used the wrong product on the soybeans, if your use of dicamba products in your corn could have led to tank contamination that subsequently injured your beans or landscape weed control product could have injured plants. If you can rule this out, your next step is communication with your neighbor to determine if their use of dicamba could be the source. This is not always an easy task and serves as a good reminder to keep those lines of communication open. The next step is to call the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s pesticide bureau to file an “Incident Report”. The report must be filed within 60 days after the alleged date that damage occurred and before 25% of the crop is harvested. Contact the pesticide bureau at 515-281-8591.
In many situations, Extension field agronomists, retail agronomists, crop consultants and others are called to provide third-party opinions. Due to the widespread nature of this injury in 2020, it should be noted that pinpointing a source or sources may be nearly impossible.
What is the future for dicamba? Nobody knows how this year’s problems will influence dicamba availability for use in soybean in 2021. Even without the court ruling in early June that vacated registration of three of the dicamba products used in soybean, the products were up for review following granting of a second two-year probationary label for 2019-20. Bayer and other companies are continuing to evaluate new dicamba formulations with lower volatility than the current products. Hopefully EPA will announce their decision in time for people to make appropriate decisions regarding soybean traits for the 2021 growing season, but based on past history, this may not happen.
Find resources by state for dicamba damage investigation below:
Q: What’s the outlook for soybean seed supply in 2021?
![BobHartzler[1]](https://www.lathamseeds.com/app/uploads/2020/07/BobHartzler1-150x150.jpg)
