The use of soybean seed treatments is increasing due to a number of reasons. The cost of planting seed, earlier planting dates and the need to protect the young soybean plant from disease and insects are some of the reasons. This project will clarify some of the reasons important in the use of seed treatments.

This project evaluates commercial seed treatments in small plot trials and in collaboration with the ISA On-Farm Network, and monitors fungicide sensitivity in seedling pathogens. Consequently the data extend the current state of knowledge of seed treatments on soybean that reduce early insect damage and disease, and enables the strategic use of seed treatments for improved soybean stands increased farmer profitability.

1. Compare the effect of commercial seed treatments on seedling disease, soybean cyst nematode, insect pests, and yield potential in small plot trials at multiple locations in Iowa.
2. Collaborate with ISA On-Farm Network to compare the effect of commercial seed treatments on seedling diseases, soybean cyst nematode numbers, and soybean yields in on-farm trials.
3. Evaluate fungicide sensitivity of pathogens recovered from diseased soybean seedlings collected from the small plot and on-farm trials.
4. Determine baseline fungicide sensitivity data of economically important Pythium, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia species to new commercial fungicides ethaboxam, sedaxane, penflufen and fluxapyroxade.
5. Educate agribusiness and soybean farmers on seedling diseases and insect pests and their management to increase productivity and profitability while improving environmental stewardship.

Eight publications regarding soybean seed treatments and soybean seedling health have been published. Furthermore, 11 presentations on these topics in association with ISU Extension and Outreach were given at 25 locations in Iowa to over 2000 stakeholders. PIs Hodgson and Robertson also produced video, developed online training modules and took part in national webinars.