Des Moines, Iowa
April 6, 2009
The first step in building a
defensive wall against soybean yield losses is to know as much
as possible about the pest and disease pressures the crop faces
- then select varieties with the right defensive package that
can protect yield in the presence of those challenges. That's
according to a soybean research expert from
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont
business.
The best line of defense is to choose varieties that have high
levels of protection against diseases or pests that impact a
particular grower's region. For example, growers in southern
areas might want to evaluate scores for root-knot nematode.
Growers in the North may want to check for scores against
aphids.
"Compare trait scores for pests that most impact a particular
area," says Jeff Thompson, Pioneer soybean senior research
manager in Mascoutah, Ill. "With good, sound management
practices and choosing the right variety for their farms,
growers can increase yields.
"No single variety will be the best choice on every acre. That's
why growers should choose the best package of varieties for his
or her farm. In addition to minimizing risk, a combination of
varieties can let growers take a step back and review what
worked best."
It is important for growers to know how to identify pests or
diseases and to understand the life cycle, symptoms and possible
extent of damage they can cause. Scouting is an important part
of managing soybean pests and diseases.
"Growers need to know what they are up against," Thompson says.
"By building a knowledge base about key pests and diseases,
growers can have a better idea of which traits are important
when selecting varieties for the farm."
It also helps to know which environments create the optimum
conditions for certain diseases to occur.
There are things growers can do before the seed is in the
ground. In addition to making sure fields have good drainage and
avoiding compaction, Thompson suggests rotating crops and/or
varieties. When managing diseases such as soybean cyst nematode
(SCN), consider growing varieties with different sources of SCN
resistance.
Pioneer research efforts are providing higher levels of
tolerance to sudden death syndrome (SDS). Using Pioneer
characterization ratings, a grower can view levels of resistance
to specific diseases for each variety. The Pioneer rating system
is based on a one to nine scale with nine being outstanding.
To provide growers with the latest information on soybean
diseases and pests on a field-by-field basis, Pioneer has an
extensive network of agronomists located throughout North
America.
For additional information about soybean diseases, pests and
management tips, click here or contact your local Pioneer sales
professional.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading
source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers
and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des
Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics
in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation.
® Registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred. |
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