Soybean growers continue to look for ways to increase yield in soybean beyond genetics and seed treatments. This study will help to answer the questions about “Which aphid control program provides the greatest advantage?”, “Should I put a biological or amino acid in-furrow?”, “Is a foliar application of fungicide effective and does it truly impact yield?”, or “I know I want to apply a foliar fungicide, but which one and what timing gives me the greatest advantage?”. Another question commonly asked is “Are there certain years, like a drought year, where foliar applications of amino acids of fungicides are not worth the investment?” which is a question requiring multi-year data; however, this 2023 grant could be the first in a series of multi-year data if MSRPC and NGA chose to pursue the endeavor and annually fund the work.
This grant focuses specifically providing an inclusive industry comparative program in plant health product impact on yield and the objectives will be achieved through two studies: 1) Aphid Control Industry Product Impact on Yield; and, 2) Plant Health Industry Product Impact on Yield. Each industry partner will receive two entry slots per trial. Research will be conducted on the research farm in Renville, MN, with seed and chemical provided by supporting industry partners.

1. GOAL : Achieve economically significant aphid control in study #1.
OBJECTIVE #1: Visually aphid counts 0, 7, 14, and 21 DAA.
OBJECTIVE #2: Evaluate yield impact of aphid control.

2. GOAL : Achieve yield increases from plant health products.
OBJECTIVE #1: Evaluate program product and timing recommendations.
OBJECTIVE #2: Evaluate yield impact of plant health products and timings evaluated.

3. GOAL : Feature seven industry partners.

4. GOAL : Provide Multi-Faucet Knowledge Transfer Opportunities
OBJECTIVE #1: Publish an article at year end to my website and supply to MSRPC.
OBJECTIVE #2: Take advantage of in-class and in-field speaking appointments with SMSU (Adam Alford) and MN Growers Ag Expo (MSRPC).

Evaluation of success will be determined by 1) objectives achieved; 2) no error application; 3) number of attendees at speaking appointments; 4) feedback from collaborating parties.

Update:
See uploaded file below.

View uploaded report

Update:
See attached final publications. Ag Expo appearance will fulfill final obligations.

View uploaded report

View uploaded report 2

Update:
See attached final publications. Ag Expo appearance will fulfill final obligations.

View uploaded report

View uploaded report 2

APHIDS Portion:
Aphids continue to be an economically impactful pest in soybean. The difference between controlling soybean aphid that has reached economic threshold with a tier 1 product compared to the untreated check can be a yield difference of 3.5 to 7.7 bushels of soybean per acre. At $13.00 per bushel the economic impact can be calculated between a $45.50 to $100.10 loss per acre based on the results of this singular study.

Resistance in aphid populations continues to be a challenge. New modes of actions or premixed products with multiple modes of action included in a single jug can help in combating resistance. Overuse of any single mode of action without the addition of a second family of insecticides for multiple cropping seasons can create or grow resistance in aphid populations. It is critical for a grower to know if they have a resistant aphid population prior to selecting a product for aphid control. A product from tier 2 applied to a known pyrethroid resistant population could reduce yield compared to a tier 1 product between 1.1 and 3.0 bushels of soybean per acre. At $13.00 per bushel economic impact can be calculated between a $14.3 to $36.00 loss per acre. Growers should consider spending an additional $14.00 per acre to move from a pyrethroid insecticide to a new mode of action or premixed product when pyrethroid resistant populations are present.

Growers should use the data set as a guide to visit with their crop consultants or local suppliers to determine an aphid control product, if any, that may provide the greatest aphid control and return on investment based on their aphid population resistance, if any, and on local supplier pricing and availability of products.

This publication and more MSRPC funded research conducted by Next Gen Ag LLC can be found online at www.nxtgenag.com under the “Latest News” tab and “Public Grant Research Studies” page.

VALUE-ADDED Portion:
The addition of multiple value-added products or multiple application timings in a treatment did not appear to have a synergistic advantage on final yield. This would suggest a grower should consider the addition of at least one value-added product to their program. However, in a year of significant abiotic stress, like a drought, the addition of a second value-added product may not be cost effective. This data set was conducted at one location that experienced only one soil type and environment. If repeated in 2024, potentially in a more “ideal” growing environment, with less abiotic stress impact synergistic advantages to tank mixing multiple value-added products may be more prevalent when the objective targeted at raising the “Yield Ceiling” of a healthy crop, rather than maintaining the “Yield Floor” of a stressed crop.

This publication and more MSRPC funded research conducted by Next Gen Ag LLC can be found online at www.nxtgenag.com under the “Latest News” tab and “Public Grant Research Studies” page.

Outreach is a large component of this grant. Primary outreach achieved through 1) Publication; 2) Public speaking appointments.