By Daren Mueller and Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology
We recently collated and summarized data from soybean fungicide small plot trials conducted by Iowa State University faculty and staff, and on-farm trials conducted by the Iowa Soybean Association On-Farm Network, the ISU Corn and Soybean Initiative and the ISU Northwest On-Farm research program.
- For the total 831 observations, the overall mean yield response was 2.18 bu/A.
- Yield response of small plot trials (282 observations) was 1.67 bu/A, compared with 2.44 bu/A for on-farm strip trials (549 observations).
- The mean yield response varied among years: 2.11 bu/A (for 8 observations in 2006), 4.42 bu/A (16 observations, 2007), 2.37 bu/A (599 observations, 2008) and 1.46 bu/A (208 observations, 2009).
- Applications at R2 and R3 resulted in the highest mean yield response (2.32 bu/A and 2.42 bu/A, respectively). The mean yield response for a fungicide application at R1 was 1.07 bu/A, while the mean yield response at R4 and R5 was <1 bu/A.
- The mean yield response was greatest for fungicides that contained a strobilurin, either alone (2.52 bu/A) or in a premix (2.13 bu/A).
- Disease ratings were not taken from all plots. Where noted, brown spot, downy mildew, Cercospora leaf blight and frogeye leaf spot were rated. The predominant disease was brown spot. Mean yield response was greater when disease severity in a field at R5 was >5 percent (1.79 bu/A) compared with disease severity <5 percent (0.68 bu/A).
- Based on the price of soybean of $9.48 and $24 product + application, the breakeven yield response is 2.53 bu/A
Considerations for 2010
In our research, we have found that foliar disease severity in Iowa seldom reaches high enough levels to impact yield significantly. The warm, wet start to the 2010 growing season, however, has been favorable for brown spot development in the lower canopy. If this weather continues (warm with frequent rains), we could see brown spot move up into the mid-canopy of soybean plants, and impact yield. Thus, a foliar fungicide application at R3 could be a good decision.
Other things to consider before applying a fungicide include economics (e.g., the price of soybean, and price of product plus application). Scout fields to determine disease pressure. Specifically, check on brown spot severity in the mid canopy. Frogeye leaf spot also may occur in the mid-canopy and Cercospora leaf blight in the top canopy.
Daren Mueller is an extension specialist with responsibilities in the Corn and Soybean Initiative. Mueller can be reached at (515) 460-8000 or by email at dsmuelle@iastate.edu.
dsmuelle
Alison Robertson is an assistant professor of plant pathology with research and extension responsibilities in field crop diseases. Robertson may be reached at (515) 294-6708 or by email at alisonr@iastate.edu.
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Daren Mueller Professor
Daren Mueller is an associate professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Daren received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996, and his master's degree a...
Alison Robertson Professor of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Dr. Alison Robertson is a professor of plant pathology and microbiology. She provides extension education on the diagnosis and management of corn and soybean diseases. Her research interests include Pythium seedling disease of corn and soybean and Goss's wilt. Dr. Robertson received her bach...