Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiences were soybean growers in Indiana and the agronomic professionals (industry, Extension) that serve these growers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The field survey data provided the ground truth ratings concerning in-season limitations to soybean productivity in Indiana, while the Educators significantly improved their agronomic skills. We averaged 30 Extension Educators annually with a mixture of returning, first-time, and newly hired participants. The scouting trips (early, mid, and late season) were reviewed annually, and thus, these Educators were specially trained to identify soybean growth stages, diseases, insects, and weeds. The Purdue Extension ANR Program has used this collaboration to increase the technical expertise of new and seasoned Educators. The observations from this field survey have impacts for the Educator and producer at the individual field and county to the soybean producers at the regional and state level. Crop management basics (e.g., soil fertility deficiencies) were frequently the primary yield-constraining factors during the past four seasons. The United Soybean Board is supporting our outreach campaign in 2014 to growers in Indiana and Ohio to raise the their awareness of the fertility requirements of soybean. The results of the disease survey indicate that survey participants still need education on disease identification and assessment. Foliar symptoms of diseases look alike and express differently across varieties. Hands-on training through Diagnostic Training Center workshops and winter presentations were also a major focus area. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Findings from the field and disease surveys and the agrochemical trials were shared with Purdue Extension, Indiana Soybean Alliance, and various stakeholders via winter presentations, webinars, and video recordings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
FIELD SURVEY: The statewide field survey to discover the underlying limitations of soybean production in Indiana was initiated in 2010 and finished in 2014. Thirteen Purdue Extension Educators scouted 66 soybean fields in 2010. The following years averaged nearly 30 Extension Educators (and respective counties) scouting over 100 fields throughout the soybean, growing season (early, mid, and late). Production practices were obtained from direct communication with the growers in addition to the scouting trips for plant stands; presence and pressures of disease, insects, and weeds; soil fertility; plant tissue nutritional status; and tillage. Over half of the fields were planted in 15-in rows followed by nearly 25% were planted in 7.5-in rows and about 10% were planted in 30-in rows. Wide rows tend to have lower yields (~5-10%) than the rows spaced 15 and 7.5 inches apart. Early season stand assessments indicated that overseeding was prevalent in the NE regions with nearly one in three fields having over 175,000 plants per acre. These stands are approximately 50 thousand more plants than are needed to maximize agronomic and economic goals. The remaining regions average about one in five fields are overseeded. SOIL FERTILITY: In 2011 and 2012, about 30% of the fields surveyed were low in soil pH and potassium, about 15% were low in phosphorus and 10% were low in manganese at the average depth of 0 to 8 inches. Soil fertility improved in 2013 with only 20% of the fields low in pH and 15% of the fields low in potassium. Soil fertility limitations were more pronounced at a soil depth of 4 to 8 inches in the order of potassium, phosphorus, and pH (47, 36, and 26% of the fields were at critical levels, respectively). The SE and SW regions were the lowest in potassium, phosphorus, and pH levels. As a result of these findings from the field survey, Purdue ANR Extension has and is developing soil fertility workshops to improve this foundational aspect of crop management and thus, enhance soybean yields. SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE SURVEY: Soil samples from the field surveys were analyzed for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) during the following fall. Specific SCN types were determined during the following winters. Over the four years, nearly 1 out of 4 fields tested positive for SCN. The NW region tended to have the greater prevalence of SCN. The SCN-positive fields were tested for HG Types, which is a measure of how well a SCN population develops on various sources of SCN resistance found in soybean cultivars. Several HG types were identified and demonstrated a shift in resistance to the most common source of varietal resistance (PI88788). DISEASE SURVEY: Plant disease development is based on the presence of the pathogen, the environmental conditions that support its growth, and the host (soybean). Two commonly mistakenly diagnosed diseases of soybean are Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and Brown Stem Rot (BSR). We intensively sampled 140 fields in nine counties in 2010, which revealed that 65% had symptoms of SDS, approximately 28% had symptoms of BSR, and over 23% had fields with symptoms of both diseases. These findings indicated that BSR maybe more widely distributed in Indiana than previously thought. Weather conditions were not conducive for the development of these diseases in 2011 and limited in the following years. The presence of SDS in 2012 and 2013 was less than 1 field in 5 fields sampled. Charcoal rot, dry weather disease, was more prevalent in 2012 with 24 samples confirmed (27%), from fields distributed across the state. In 2013, we tested for fungicide resistance of the pathogen that causes frogeye leaf spot (caused by Cercospora sojina). Fifteen suspected samples analyzed by the University of Illinois to test the sensitivity of C. sojina to QoI fungicides. Results indicated that 4 fields in 3 counties had populations of C. sojina that were insensitive to QoI fungicides. These three counties were the first documented cases of QoI resistance in Indiana.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Review of Soybean Field Survey. February 18, 2014. Purdue Ag and Natural Resources Extension Educators. Boone County, Indiana.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiences were soybean growers in Indiana and the agronomic professionals (industry, Extension) that serve these growers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? SOIL FERTILITY: In 2011 and 2012, about 30% of the fields surveyed were low in soil pH and potassium, about 15% were low in phosphorus and 10% were low in manganese at the average depth of 0 to 8 inches. Soil fertility improved in 2013 with only 20% of the fields low in pH and 15% of the fields low in potassium. Soil fertility limitations were more pronounced at a soil depth of 4 to 8 inches in the order of potassium, phosphorus, and pH (47, 36, and 26% of the fields were at critical levels, respectively). The SE and SW regions were the lowest in potassium, phosphorus, and pH levels. As a result of these findings from the field survey, Purdue ANR Extension has and is developing soil fertility workshops to improve this foundational aspect of crop management and thus, enhance soybean yields. WEED PRESSURES: Giant foxtail, common ragweed, common lambsquarters, and/or marestail were prevalent in 15 to 20% of the fields in 2013. Ten percent or less had barnyardgrass, volunteer corn, or pigweed species in 2013. SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE SURVEY: Nineteen of the 109 field scouted in 2011, 18 of the 92 fields sampled in 2012, and 34 of the 120 scouted fields tested positive for SCN. Just over a quarter of the samples from the NW region tested positive followed by the 10 to 17% of the samples from the other regions in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, each region was nearly one-third of the samples tested positive for SCN. The SCN-positive fields were tested for HG Types, which is a measure of how well a SCN population develops on various sources of SCN resistance found in soybean cultivars. DISEASE SURVEY: The results of the disease survey indicate that survey participants still need education on disease identification and assessment. Foliar symptoms of diseases look alike and express differently across varieties. Two Educator trainings with hands-on examples of common soybean diseases are planned in 2014 to help increase accuracy of in-field soybean disease diagnosis. QoI-fungicide resistant populations of C. sojina were detected in Indiana for the first time in 2013. This information will be provided to farmers, Extension educators, certified crop advisors, and others in the agribusiness industry in Extension programs delivered in 2013 and 2014. AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Foliar disease pressure was light in 2013 across most research locations. Aphid pressure was also limited, with only one location meeting the aphid threshold for an insecticide application. Analysis of yield across trials is currently underway, and improved recommendations for fungicide and fungicide + insecticide use will be developed from these findings and distributed through Extension channels in 2014. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? EVENTS: Farmers participating in the field survey over the past year were informed of the findings with a renewed interest in managing their soybean fields more intentionally. Field days, training workshops, and crop production programs have been the main avenues of communication for farmers, Extension educators, certified crop advisors, and other agricultural professionals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE SURVEY: Specific SCN types will be determined for the SCN-positive samples during the winter of 2013-2014. SOIL FERTILITY: As a result of these findings from the field survey, Purdue ANR Extension has and is developing soil fertility workshops to improve this foundational aspect of crop management and thus, enhance soybean yields. AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Analysis of yield across trials is currently underway, and improved recommendations for fungicide and fungicide + insecticide use will be developed from these findings and distributed through Extension channels in 2014. EVENTS: We are organizing a complete review of the field survey from 2013 and the previous years for all of the participants (farmers and Extension educators). PUBLICATIONS:The field survey results of all the years will be summarized and published publically (Extension website, newsletters, etc.) as well as submitted to the Crop Management Journal.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
FIELD SURVEY: The statewide field survey to discover the underlying limitations of soybean production in Indiana continued in 2013. Purdue Extension Educators scouted 120 fields in 28 counties throughout the season (early, mid, and late). Production practices were obtained from direct communication with the growers in addition to the scouting trips for plant stands; presence and pressures of disease, insects, and weeds; soil fertility; plant tissue nutritional status; and tillage. SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE SURVEY: Soil samples from the 2012 field survey were analyzed for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) during the fall of 2012. The samples from the field survey in 2013 were finished in during the fall. Specific SCN types will be determined for the SCN-positive samples during the winter of 2013-2014 DISEASE SURVEY: From the 2013 field survey, 650 soybean plant samples were submitted from 103 fields in 28 counties. These samples were submitted to confirm the presence of foliar and root diseases through laboratory analyses. Extension Educators submitted 590 root or stem samples to test for the presence of diseases such as sudden death syndrome (SDS; caused by Fusarium virguliforme), brown stem rot (BSR; caused by Phialophora gregata), and charcoal rot (caused by Macrophomina phaseolina). Educators indicated that 177 of these samples had symptoms of SDS or BSR, however laboratory test results confirmed only 37 samples for SDS, and 16 were confirmed for BSR. Charcoal rot was also confirmed in several samples, although no educators indicated the presence of the disease. Of the 60 leaf samples submitted, educators indicated that 35 of the samples had symptoms of frogeye leaf spot (caused by Cercospora sojina), however, laboratory examination confirmed the disease on only 20 samples. Of these 20 samples, 15 were sent to the University of Illinois to test the sensitivity of C. sojina to QoI fungicides. Results indicated that 4 fields in 3 counties had populations of C. sojina that were insensitive to QoI fungicides. AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Large plot trials were established to determine the economic value of foliar fungicide and insecticide applications applied to soybeans. The experiments compared threshold applications of pesticides based on the presence of disease and/or aphid pressure, and those made at a set growth stage (R3) regardless of pest pressure. Five trials were established, and located at Purdue Agricultural Centers in LaPorte (Pinney), Whitley (Northeast), Randolph (Davis), Jennings (Southeast), and Knox (Southwest) counties. EVENTS: We will continue to present the findings from the field and disease surveys and the agrochemical trials with Purdue Extension, Indiana Soybean Alliance, and various stakeholders. These results will direct the Extension and research efforts for the upcoming 2014 grower Extension seminars and crop growing season.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: FIELD SURVEY: The statewide field survey to discover the underlying limitations of soybean production in Indiana continued in 2012. Purdue Extension Educators scouted over 100 fields in 30 counties throughout the season (early, mid, and late). Production practices were obtained from direct communication with the growers in addition to the scouting trips for plant stands; presence and pressures of disease, insects, and weeds; soil fertility; plant tissue nutritional status; and tillage. SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE SURVEY: Soil samples from the 2011 field survey were analyzed for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) during the fall of 2011. The samples from the field survey in 2012 were analyzed during the summer of 2012. Specific SCN types are currently being determined. DISEASE SURVEY: From the 2012 field survey, 497 soybean plant samples were submitted from 86 fields in 21 counties. These samples were submitted to confirm the presence of sudden death syndrome of soybean (SDS; Fusarium virguliforme), brown stem rot (BSR; Phialophora gregata), or charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) through laboratory analyses. AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Small plot and large plot trials were established to determine the economic value of foliar fungicide and insecticide applications applied to soybeans. The experiments compared threshold applications of pesticides based on the presence of disease and/or aphid pressure, and those made at a set growth stage (R3) regardless of pest pressure. Six trials were established, and located at Purdue Agricultural Centers in Tippecanoe (Throckmorton), LaPorte (Pinney), Whitley (Northeast), Randolph (Davis), Jennings (Southeast), and Knox (Southwest) counties. New, intensive agrochemical systems were evaluated near West Lafayette (Agronomy Center for Research and Education), Wanatah (Pinney), and Lafayette (Throckmorton) in 2012. EVENTS: We will continue to present the findings from the field and disease surveys and the agrochemical trials with Purdue Extension, Indiana Soybean Alliance, and various stakeholders. These results will direct the Extension and research efforts for the upcoming 2013 grower Extension seminars and crop growing season. PARTICIPANTS: Primary Research and Extension Collaborators included Bob Nielsen, Bill Johnson, Christian Krupke, Jim Camberato, Jamal Faghihi, and Corinne Alexander who are faculty and agricultural professionals from Purdue University. Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Educators at the county were critical to identify fields for the field survey and obtain pertinent scouting information and samples. Research technicians entered and organized scouting data, and processed plant samples. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences were soybean growers in Indiana and the agronomic professionals (industry, Extension) that serve these growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
SOIL FERTILITY: Preliminary soil results reveal that about 30% of the fields surveyed were low in soil pH and potassium, about 15% were low in phosphorus and 10% were low in manganese at the average depth of 0 to 8 inches. Soil potassium was critical in 18% of the fields in the upper 4 inches; whereas, 71% of the fields were critical in the next 4 inches. Soil phosphorus follows a similar trend 9% and 32% in the upper 4 inches and the next 4 inches, respectively. WEED PRESSURES: Giant foxtail, common lambsquarters, and pigweed species were present in nearly one-third of the NW and NE fields scouted IN 2011. Pigweed species and morningglory species were present in almost half of the SW fields scouted IN 2011. SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE SURVEY: Nineteen of the 109 field scouted in 2011 and 18 of the 92 fields sampled in 2012 tested positive for SCN. Just over a quarter of the samples from the NW region tested positive followed by the 10 to 17% of the samples from the other regions. The SCN-positive fields were tested for HG Types, which is a measure of how well a SCN population develops on various sources of SCN resistance found in soybean cultivars. DISEASE SURVEY: Only 3% of the soybean samples submitted in 2011 from the 15 counties were confirmed to be SDS or brown stem rot. Droughty conditions in 2012 were not conducive for foliar disease development in the middle of the growing season. Charcoal rot was more prevalent in 2012 with 24 samples confirmed (27%), from fields distributed across the state. SDS was confirmed in samples from 12 fields (14%), also distributed across the state. No brown stem rot was confirmed in any field, even fields with samples visually symptomatic for it. Late season rains also promoted an environment that allowed several seed diseases to develop including Phomopsis and Cercospora. AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Foliar disease pressure was extremely limited in 2012, due to drought conditions. Aphid pressure was also limited, and insecticides were not applied at several locations to prevent spider mite damage. Rain in September delayed harvest at these locations. The yield and seed quality results of the new, intensive agrochemical studies are currently being processed. EVENTS: Farmers participating in the field survey over the past year were informed of the findings with a renewed interest in managing their soybean fields more intentionally.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: FIELD SURVEY: The statewide field survey to discover the underlying limitations of soybean production in Indiana continued in 2011. Purdue Extension Educators scouted over 100 fields in 25 counties throughout the season (early, mid, and late). Production practices were obtained from direct communication with the growers in addition to the scouting trips for plant stands; presence and pressures of disease, insects, and weeds; soil fertility; plant tissue nutritional status; and tillage. SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE SURVEY: Soil samples from the 2010 field survey were analyzed for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) during the fall of 2010. Specific SCN types were determined during the spring and summer of 2011. We also sampled 15 counties in the east-central and the southeastern areas of Indiana during fall 2010. This area was not well represented in past SCN samples. DISEASE SURVEY: Soybean fields in 15 counties were sampled to document prevalence and distribution of major soybean diseases within Indiana. Samples were taken from plants with symptoms of sudden death syndrome of soybean (SDS; Fusarium virguliforme), and brown stem rot (BSR; Phialophora gregata) for laboratory confirmation of the disease(s). AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Small plot and large plot trials were established to determine the economic value of foliar fungicide and insecticide applications applied to soybeans. The experiments compared threshold applications of pesticides based on the presence of disease and/or aphid pressure, and those made at a set growth stage (R3) regardless of pest pressure. Five trials were located at Purdue Agricultural Centers in Tippecanoe (Throckmorton), LaPorte (Pinney), Whitley (Northeast), Randolph (Davis), and Jennings (Southeast) counties. EVENTS: We will continue to present the findings from the field and disease surveys and the agrochemical trials with Purdue Extension, Indiana Soybean Alliance, and various stakeholders. These results will direct the Extension and research efforts for the upcoming 2012 grower Extension seminars and crop growing season. PARTICIPANTS: Primary Research and Extension Collaborators included Bob Nielsen, Bill Johnson, Christian Krupke, Jim Camberato, Jamal Faghihi, and Corinne Alexander who are faculty and agricultural professionals from Purdue University. Graduate students and field technicians from our programs were integral to the field survey efforts. We have collaborated with Indiana Soybean Alliance for funding and support. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences were soybean growers in Indiana and the agronomic professionals (industry, Extension) that serve these growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
FIELD SURVEY: Over half of the fields were planted in 15-in rows followed by 25% were planted in 7.5-in rows and 12% were planted in 30-in rows. Wide rows tend to have lower yields (~5-10%) than the rows spaced 15 and 7.5 inches apart. Six counties averaged over 170 thousand plants per acre, which was approximately 50 thousand more plants than are needed to maximize agronomic and economic goals. Disease and insect pressures were low throughout the season. Late season disease pressure was low with a few counties noting frogeye leaf spot, sudden death syndrome, and brown stem rot. Stem canker was not observed in any of the scouted fields. Preliminary soil results reveal that about 25% of the fields surveyed were low in soil pH and potassium, about 20% were low in manganese, and nearly 10% were low in phosphorus at the average depth of 0 to 8 inches. Soil potassium was critical in 13% of the fields in the upper 4 inches; whereas, 68% of the fields were critical in the next 4 inches. Soil pH and phosphors follow a similar trend with 16% and 32% for soil pH and 6% and 38% for P in the upper 4 inches and the next 4 inches, respectively. SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE SURVEY: In 2010 field survey, 18 of the 66 fields tested positive for SCN (27%). The majority of these SCN-positive fields were from NW region (11 SCN-positive fields out of 22 fields). The SCN-positive fields were tested for HG Types, which is a measure of how well a SCN population develops on various sources of SCN resistance found in soybean cultivars. HG Types were determined from 9 of the 18 SCN-positive samples based on the ability to increase the SCN population. About 40% of the east central and southeastern SCN samples (291 in total) were SCN-positive, and about 25% were SCN-positive when averaged over counties. These SCN-positive fields ranged from 138 to 2300 eggs per 100 cc of soil based on county averages. The moderate to high egg counts would require growers to plant SCN-resistant soybean varieties. The higher levels will also require HG Type testing to determine which SCN-resistant varieties were susceptible to the SCN population in the field. Then growers would continue to rotate crops and SCN-resistant varieties DISEASE SURVEY: Weather conditions in 2011 were not conducive for disease development in many areas of the state. Hot, dry weather prevented symptom expression of the two key diseases targeted by the survey: SDS and BSR. Of 75 fields in 15 counties surveyed, only 3% had samples with visually confirmed symptoms of SDS or BSR. AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Results of small and large-plot foliar fungicide and insecticide trials were consistent with results from 2010, and the impact of these pesticides on yield was variable. Disease and aphid thresholds were not met at any of the five locations, indicating that pesticides were not needed for pest control. Economic analysis of small-plot research trials indicates that across locations the most consistently profitable post-emergence pesticide program is still a single application of glyphosate. Applications of fungicides and insecticides varied in profitability, and were not a consistently sound economic investment.
Publications
- Henry, R.S. Wise, K.A., and Johnson, W.G. 2011. Glyphosates effect upon mineral accumulation in soybean. Crop Manag. Doi:10.1094/CM-2011-1024-01-RS.
- Henry, R.S. Johnson, W.G., and Wise, K.A. 2011. The impact of a fungicide and insecticide on soybean growth, yield, and profitability. Crop Prot. 30:1629-1634.
- Henry, R., Wise, K.A., Johnson, W.G., and Krupke, C. 2010. The impact of a strobilurin fungicide and other pesticides on soybean yield and yield components. Phytopathology 100:S50.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: SURVEY: We surveyed the agronomic management practices of 5000 Indiana growers via a direct mail-out survey in March 2010. Grower response (~24%) provided a baseline to evaluate the changes in production practices since 2005 (previous survey) and a baseline to compare findings from field surveys. The first year of a soybean field survey was initiated in 2010 across 66 fields in 13 counties in Indiana. Purdue Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educators collaborated with us to scout these fields during the early, mid, and late points in the growing season. Production practices were obtained from direct communication with the growers in addition to the scouting trips for plant stands; presence and pressures of disease, insects, and weeds; soil fertility; plant tissue nutritional status; and tillage. DISEASE SURVEY: Soybean fields in nine counties were intensively sampled to document prevalence and distribution of major soybean diseases within Indiana.Samples were taken from plants with symptoms of sudden death syndrome of soybean (SDS; Fusarium virguliforme), and brown stem rot (BSR; Phialophora gregata) for laboratory confirmation of disease presence. The distribution and prevalence of BSR had not previously been quantified for Indiana. AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Trials were established at the Throckmorton Purdue Agricultural Center (TPAC) in Tippecanoe county, and the Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center (SEPAC) to determine the economic value of foliar fungicide and insecticide applications applied to soybeans. The experiments compared threshold applications of pesticides based on the presence of disease and/or aphid pressure, and those made at a set growth stage (R3) regardless of pest pressure. EVENTS: We presented the findings from the direct mail survey at the Agronomy Society of America International meetings in November 2010. These results will direct the Extension and research efforts for the upcoming 2011 grower Extension seminars and crop growing season. Preliminary results from the field survey and research trials will be shared with Purdue Extension and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. PARTICIPANTS: Greg Matli and Linda Lawson from USDA-NASS Indiana Field Office provided guidance and assistance in the development, dissemination, and analysis of the direct mail survey. Primary Research and Extension Collaborators included Bob Nielsen, Bill Johnson, Christian Krupke, Jim Camberato, Jamal Faghihi, and Corinne Alexander faculty and agricultural professionals from Purdue University. Graduate students and field technicians from our programs were integral to the field survey efforts. We have collaborated with Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council for funding and support. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences were soybean growers in Indiana and the agronomic professionals (industry, Extension) that serve these growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
SURVEY: Grower's production practices (planting dates, row widths, seeding rates, seed treatments, foliar fungicide use, etc) have shifted between the 2005 and 2009 growing seasons. Greater percentage of producers treated soybean seeds, planted more varieties, planted soybeans in 15-in rows, and applied more foliar fungicides in 2009 than in 2005. Growers also ranked unpredictable weather, variety performance and poorly drained soils as their most challenging agronomic factors. Soil pH, phosphorus and potassium management were the least challenging agronomic factors according to the direct mail survey. However, preliminary results of the 2010 field survey revealed that 59% and 25% of the fields in northwestern and southern Indiana, respectively, were below 6.0 in soil pH. Approximately 30% of the southern fields were also below critical soil phosphorus and potassium levels. DISEASE SURVEY: Results from the disease survey indicated that of 140 fields sampled, 65% had symptoms of SDS, approximately 28% had symptoms of BSR, and over 23% had fields with symptoms of both diseases. This survey improved our understanding of the distribution and presence of two key diseases of soybean, and indicated that BSR may be more widely distributed in Indiana than previously thought. AGROCHEMICAL TRIALS: Results from 2010 large-plot foliar fungicide and insecticide trials indicated that the effect of foliar-applied pesticides on yield was variable. Thresholds were not met at either location for soybean aphid or foliar disease, and all foliar pesticides were applied in the absence of a pest threat. Despite this, foliar pesticide application did have a significant effect at the TPAC location, increasing yields by an average of 3.3 bu per acre. This yield increase would be profitable in most years, depending on spray application costs. Fungicide and insecticide applications did not significantly increase yield at SEPAC. This variation in results requires further investigation to determine when and where these practices should be used to enhance soybean yield and to protect soybean yield as well as preserve chemistries for pest management. KNOWLEDGE: Extension and educational efforts will be directed to expose the grower-perceived problems and the actual problems with the aim to change behavior and enhance soybean yield. Extension Educators increased knowledge of soybean production from our pre-scouting training presentations and the hands-on scouting trips during the season. The relationships between Extension and growers were enhanced through the scouting trips. Educators were also more directly connected to the soybean progress and problems, which increased their knowledge and confidence.
Publications
- Casteel, S.N. and R.L. Nielsen. 2010. Agronomic management of soybean and corn by Indiana producers. In Proc. Agronomy Society of America Natl. Conf. Long Beach, CA.
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