Effects Of Four Seed Treatments On Early-Season Insect and Disease Pressure In Soybeans In Southeast Texas.

Abstract

One of the most important practices for obtaining maximum soybean yields is to ensure good crop stand establishment. Soil borne fungi, such as, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, along with several natural insect pests, such as thrips, three cornered alfalfa leaf hopper, and armyworms, are all documented pests of soybeans in Texas and can cause serious economic injury to soybean yield if they are not managed properly. Seed treatments are a common method of early season control for both soil borne diseases and insects. In this field study, four soybean seed treatments (Avicta Complete Bean, Vibrance, Evergol Energy, and Poncho Votivo) were evaluated for control of early season insects, soil borne fungi, and impacts on grain yield near College Station, TX (30° 50' 90.24"N, 96° 41' 98.26"W). Soybeans were planted on April 17 in 1.5 x 3 m plots. Each seed treatment received either an early season foliar insecticide (applied May 7 using Dimethoate at 0.5 oz ai/A) or no foliar insecticide treatment in a 4 x 2 factorial design. The study included four replications and was analyzed as a randomized complete bock design. Insect pests were controlled on all plots as needed with foliar insecticide any time past six weeks after emergence to follow best management practices. Weekly insect counts and crop progress notes were taken along with grain yield on August 27, 2013. Root samples were analyzed for the presence of soil pathogens. This study will demonstrate the effectiveness of soybean seed treatment on early season soil borne pathogens and insects. Data is still being collected and the results from this study will be presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL.