New soybean app helps farmers identify weed, insect and disease problems

The LSU AgCenter has developed a mobile Web application, also known as an app, that will allow soybean farmers to easily identify weed, insect and disease problems in their fields by just grabbing their smartphones.

Known as the Soybean Field Guide, the app can be easily accessed on a smartphone, such as an iPhone or an Android, or on an electronic tablet, such as an iPad. The app can also be viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.

"This is a one-stop shop,” said Jim Griffin, AgCenter weed scientist and the principal author of the weed information. “This app will help farmers identify the weed, insect or disease that’s causing problems.”

Once the problem is identified, then the app includes links to the AgCenter’s three control guides – the Soybean Weed Control Guide, Control Soybean Insect Pests and Soybean Plant Disease Management Guide.

The app contains nearly 200 photos of weeds, insects and disease symptoms – some that can be viewed at different stages and at several angles.
The app also includes information about when and how to scout for these problems.

"If a farmer is out in his field, he can easily compare what he’s seeing to the photos,” Griffin said.

"This is the first of its type aimed at southern field crops,” said Rogers Leonard, AgCenter associate vice chancellor. “There is not another one like this in the South and maybe in the rest of the country. We believe our soybean farmers will find this app extremely valuable.”