Maximizing Soybean Yields with Strategic Fungicide and Insecticide Use

Fungicides and insecticides are crucial tools for soybean farmers to protect their crops from diseases and pests, ultimately boosting both yield and quality. Fungicides help manage common soybean diseases like frogeye leafspot, brown spot, pod and stem blight, anthracnose, and Cercospora leaf blight/purple seed stain, preventing premature defoliation and protecting seed quality. Timely application, particularly at the R3-R4 growth stage, can increase yields by up to 8 bushels per acre by preserving green leaf area and enhancing seed fill. Certain fungicides, particularly those in the strobilurin group, offer additional plant health benefits. Stratego YLD from Bayer is one of these fungicides that can enhance photosynthetic efficiency, delay plant senescence, and improve overall vigor. This allows soybeans to better cope with environmental stresses like drought, ultimately improving their resilience.
Insecticides, on the other hand, control pests such as soybean podworm, stinkbug, and bean leaf beetle, which can damage leaves, stems, and pods, particularly during critical reproductive stages. Effective pest management not only reduces direct feeding damage but also prevents the transmission of viral and bacterial diseases carried by insects. When used based on scouting and economic thresholds, insecticides can provide a strong return on investment by preventing yield loss while being more environmentally efficient. Combining both fungicides and insecticides, often in a single application, offers comprehensive protection, ensuring healthier crops and maximizing overall farm profitability. However, it’s important to manage these products carefully to avoid resistance and minimize environmental impact.

Article provided by Nathan Larson, Director of Sales