Robinson: Match traits to specific needs when making soybean seed selection

The extreme conditions of the 2019 growing season — including untimely rainfall and planting delays — have farmers focusing on more maturity options, disease tolerance and weed control convenience when considering soybean seed for 2020.

The good news for soybean growers is that there are more trait technologies available than ever before.

The wet conditions experienced this past growing season have farmers looking for varieties with good tolerance to different diseases like frogeye leaf spot and Phytophthora. Many seed varieties are now available that offer tolerance to those diseases, along with new seed treatments to help protect against Phytophthora.

Look Beyond One Season

Analyzing multiyear data related to performance has always been a good measuring stick for making seed selections. While this past year’s conditions are likely top of mind, it’s important to take a longer view and evaluate past performance over several years, as no two years are alike.

Assess yield data from this past harvest along with previous years to compare how different varieties perform in your area. Don’t get too hung up on what happened in 2019 alone. It will be to your advantage to become familiar with soybean seed varieties that perform well in our area.

Weather is always an unpredictable variable, but yield is usually the most important consideration, followed by standability, especially late in the season. You want to protect your soybeans as much as possible from changing weather patterns.

Taking notes during the season helps you recall specific management or environmental events that may not have seemed all that significant at the time, but likely impacted yield at harvest. Be as thorough as possible and record as much as you can however insignificant you may think an event was at the time.

Research Each Trait Platform

Read the labels and consult with certified crop advisers regarding what each technology offers, including compatible herbicides and state restrictions. Also, look at the variety agronomics.

Document common weeds and diseases on your farm and share the information with your retailer or seed specialist so you can work together on a plan that best matches your specific needs.

In addition to selecting varieties with a history of strong yield performance and tolerance for extreme roller coaster weather conditions, consider an appropriate trait package that will help preserve the genetic yield potential of the variety.

Understand Restrictions And Tolerances

Now that harvest is complete, look back on specific weed challenges from recent seasons and use that information to choose traits with your desired herbicide and disease tolerances, including cross-tolerances available with new technology. For example, Mycogen brand Enlist E3 soybeans are tolerant to 2,4-D.

Work With Your Retailer And Get The Ball Rolling Now

Seed selection is one of the most important agronomic decisions you make every year. Talk with your local retailer now instead of waiting until next February.

Your local retail team or seed dealer is the best resource for identifying the many soybean seed options and traits packages available. They have in-depth history of your farm, have past weed challenges and soil conditions and are the expert source for recommending hybrids and varieties that best fit within various challenges you face.

If you have questions about analyzing performance data and environmental factors related to specific seed selection, contact your trusted adviser and agronomist, or feel free to contact me.