Field Insights

Are You Prepared for Phytophthora Pressure?

Phytophthora can infect plants at any time during the planting and maturing stages, but early-season management can help protect soybean yields.

March 2024 | by syngenta thrive

As you plan for next season, don’t overlook early-season diseases like Phytophthora. In 2021, 36 University Extension Plant Pathologists estimated an annual average of over 25 million bushels of soybean yield loss due to the disease¹. This year, MN, OH, IA and other states reported high Phytophthora pressure, which could increase the risk of infection next year.

Phytophthora is one of the most destructive early-season pathogens and significantly limits plant stand establishment in soybeans. It not only reduces potential yield by killing seedlings and reducing the root efficiency of mature plants, but it can infect plants at any time during the planting and maturing stages, if the conditions are right.
Here are some tips to help you protect your soybean crops from heavy Phytophthora pressure:

Be aware: Knowing what to look for can help you minimize the damage Phytophthora causes in soybean fields. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends looking for symptoms at each season stage since the infection can occur from the beginning to the end of the growing season.
- Early-season: Infected seedlings and plants will have stems that will likely appear bruised with yellowing leaves.
- Mid-to-late season: Brown lesions may start to appear on the roots as they begin to rot. Leaves will continue to yellow and wilt, staying attached to the plant even after it begins to die.
Incorporate Phytophthora-resistant varieties: Planting Phytophthora-resistant varieties will set the foundation for managing the disease and protecting your soybean yield.
Review your field history: Relying on the historical data of your fields can significantly help you prepare for the yearly threats you face.
Use a robust seed treatment: Selecting a seed treatment that contains effective modes of action against Phytophthora and allows the establishment of seedlings and inherent native gene resistance will protect your investment.

CruiserMaxx^® APX seed treatment protects against Phytophthora and other early-season insects and diseases, like Pythium. It has two highly effective Phytophthora protection active ingredients and combines proven protection with picarbutrazox (PCBX), a powerful Pythium and Phytophthora-fighting molecule.

Alt text: A bar chart showing the yield advantage provided by CruiserMaxx APX seed treatment. — Caption: 2018 Syngenta internal and external trials (TNA054A3-2018US); n=7: OH, IL, MI, KY, IA, NE, MN.

In an Ohio State University Phytophthora trial, CruiserMaxx APX was the only seed treatment to deliver a statistically different five-bushel yield advantage compared to the check treatment; the competitors included Lumisena™ and ethaboxam compounds, which did NOT beat the untreated check².

For more information about the advantages of CruiserMaxx APX seed treatment, reach out to your local Syngenta representative.

¹ Plant Health Progress 2021 Vol. 22 No.4 pp. 483-495

²2018 Ohio State University Phytophthora trial; α = 0.05

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Phytophthora can infect plants at any time during the planting and maturing stages if the conditions are right.
Incorporating resistant varieties, reviewing your field history and using a robust seed treatment can help manage Phytophthora.
CruiserMaxx^® APX seed treatment contains two active ingredients for effective control of Phytophthora.