During the past several years, Latham’s Research Team has conducted EPA-regulated and EPA-stewarded trials in Alexander.

A regulated trial includes that contain traits that have not been fully approved in the United States. In stewarded trials, all traits have U.S. approval but may not have full global approval. In both cases, great care is taken to ensure the harvested soybeans do not enter the grain channel.

This year we’re planning to conduct a stewarded trial with Liberty® GT 27 soybeans. Formerly called “Balance GTLL,” this technology provides soybeans tolerant to three herbicide classes: (1) glyphosate (e.g. Roundup®); (2) gluphosinate (e.g. Liberty®); and (3) isoxaflutole.

No herbicides containing isoxaflutole have been approved by the EPA for use in soybeans during the 2018 growing season. However, the ability to spray both glyphosate and gluphosinate post-emergence has some farmers very excited.

I’m especially looking forward to testing our current Liberty lineup against these new cultivars. Liberty GT 27 soybeans looked excellent in the 2017 breeder trials we observed. At press time, the Philippines is the only country that has not yet approved this technology.

Enlist E3™ soybeans also have tolerance tothree herbicides: glyphosate, gluphosinate and the new 2,4-D choline. The European Union (E.U.) approved this technology last December but we’re still waiting approval from China and the Philippines. Depending on available space and restrictions, we may also have a stewarded E3 plot this year. We’re eager to see how it performs, as farmers in the South have been planting Enlist cotton since 2016 and are reporting tremendous success with both the herbicide and the yields.

These EPA-regulated or EPA stewarded plots are only planned for Latham headquarters. Other corn, cover crops and alfalfa plots that are unique to Alexander are also planned for 2018, and you’re welcome to stop by any time during the growing season. Make “visit Alexander in North Central Iowa” part of your 2018 Summer Bucket List! If need be, we can give you ideas to see a few sights along the way.

Thanks for tuning into our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” Audiocast! Play the audio file below to listen to Mark’s response to this week’s question about the new soybean technology approvals.

Q: New soybean traits and technologies have been making headlines since last Friday when it was announced that Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans received EU approval. There have been rumblings that the Balance Bean also received EU approval last week. What is the status of these two new soybean technologies?

A: It’s important to understand that none of these technologies have actually received full approval. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans received their final approval from the European Union in the global approval process. However, the low-volatile formulation of dicamba herbicide intended for Xtend soybeans has not received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Use of existing dicamba herbicides over top of Xtend soybeans is not allowed at this time.

Meanwhile, the Balance GT soybean also received EU approval last Friday but has not yet received approval from key markets such as China. The accompanying herbicide has not received approval from the EPA either.

Q: Since seed for the Xtend products has global approval, will it be commercially available for 2017 planting?

A: Yes, in fact, there are 13 new Xtend varieties in Latham’s 2017 lineup. Six of these products are designated as IRONCLAD™. Soybeans with the Ironclad designation have the toughest defense systems and are unique to Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Q: What are IRONCLAD Soybeans and why are they unique to Latham Seeds?

A: Research has shown that the best defense against Soybean Cyst Nematodes and Iron Deficiency Chlorosis is diligent seed selection. In 2003, Latham Seeds was the only seed company to introduce SCN-resistant soybean brands. Because we’re headquartered where soils are more prone to IDC, our soybean lines have been bred to overcome it.

The IRONCLAD series was introduced to help farmers distinguish which products have the best defense packages. IRONCLAD soybeans have been proven to yield the highest in difficult conditions. Many of our IRONCLAD products have taken first place over the past two years in the F.I.R.S.T. Trials!

Q: What does it take for a soybean product to receive IRONCLAD designation?

A: To be considered IRONCLAD, the soybean must have a Soybean Cyst Nematode and Phytophthora Root Rot deficiency gene. It must also score an Iron Deficiency Chlorosis rating of 2.2 or better. Depending on the needs of the variety geography, it can also protect against White Mold and Sudden Death Syndrome.

Q: What about Enlist products? Will they be offered in 2017?  

A: It’s very possible that Enlist will receive full approval in time for 2017 planting. Opposite of Xtend, Enlist has herbicide approval from the EPA but is awaiting Chinese approval.

Depending on regulatory approval, two Enlist products could be offered. Both Enlist soybeans and E3 Enlist soybeans will be tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate, and glufosinate.

So far, Enlist Duo is approved for use in the U.S. in 15 states on corn and soybeans. They are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and North Dakota.

We’ll be providing an update on these emerging soybean technologies, as well as new corn technologies as part of Latham’s Technology Road Show. The first tour stop will be Friday, August 19, in Eldridge, Iowa near Davenport. While the Latham Freedom of Independence Ride is traditionally a field day on two wheels, we will make groups available for people who prefer to drive cars or trucks.