Planting Soybeans Into Cold Ground? Think About Seed Treatments

Fusarium graminearum

Fusarium graminearum association with soybean seed and seedling decay has only recently been recognized.  For this, how many spores (inoculum) present can make a big difference.   The more residue (corn with Gibberella stalk rot or scabby wheat) the greater the potential for infection.   The seed treatment compounds Captan and fludioxonil are very effective in controlling seed infections caused by F. graminearum in both corn and soybeans.  The strobilurins have limited efficacy towards this pathogen based on seed assays.  There is concern for both fludioxonil and strobilurin compounds that isolates will become resistant to these chemistries.