Ilevo seed treatment has been available on the market for a few years; it offers protection against soybean cyst nematodes and SDS. In previous trials conducted by B&M Crop Consulting in conjunction with MSPC Ilevo seed treatments helped reduce soybean cyst nematode pressure and increased soybeans yields. The main yield component affected was seed size. The improvement in seed size was mainly to do a stay green effect with the Ilevo. The plants stayed greener longer, extending the grain fill period. This is a similar yield response which has been seen with foliar fungicides applied at the R3 growth stage. Based on our experience the plant health improvement in yield with a foliar fungicide in Michigan typically comes from an improvement in seed size also associated with keeping the plants greener longer. A question many growers have is if the main yield component being affected is seed size from both Ilevo and foliar fungicide, is the benefit better from one or the other or is the most profitable applying both.

The objective is to determine if soybean yield and economics can be improved more with Ilevo seed treatment or a foliar fungicide. It will also determine if there is an additive affect to doing both the Ilevo seed treatment followed by a foliar fungicide. It will further be determined if there is a difference in the stay green affect between the treatments. Soybean cyst nematode pressure and SDS will be evaluated to determine the impact from the Ilevo seed treatment.

Field trials will be conducted in two locations in south central Michigan. This will be the second year of the two year study (2020 & 2021) with an optional third year based on early results. Two seed treatment systems will be evaluated; Ilevo with a fungicide and insecticide seed treatment and fungicide and insecticide seed treatment only. The two seed treatments will be evaluated with and without a foliar fungicide applied around the R3 to R4 growth stage. The experiments will be established with a randomized complete block design, with four treatments, and at least three replications. The plots will be field sized; length of field by 30 to 80 foot wide. The exact size of the individual plots will be determined by the field and equipment size. The beans will be planted in 15” rows.

Keeping plants greener longer during the grain fill period has an opportunity to increase seed size and yield for Michigan farmers with the short season maturities being planted. Determining which tools and systems offer the most yield and economic benefit will be helpful to farmers to improve their bottom line. In addition to the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee publishing the data results from this would be shared with Michigan soybean growers through B&M Crop Consulting meetings, Farm Journal Magazine, and other various speaking events.