Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
November 12, 2024
Intensifying disease pressures are impacting fields and costing farmers yield potential across the Corn Belt. Tyler Stastny, retail sales agronomist for Brevant® seeds in Nebraska, says tar spot, Goss’s wilt and soybean cyst nematode (SCN) are three of the top threats from 2024 that are driving growers’ decisions for the upcoming season.
“What we have seen in the field this year can be an indicator of what’s to come,” Stastny said. “Farmers should apply their learnings from this season to plan for 2025.”
Tar spot
Tar spot is stealing yield potential from fields as it rapidly spreads across the Corn Belt, causing widespread economic impact. Stastny reported the foliar disease showed up in fields later than normal and more severely this year. With tar spot symptoms appearing in more advanced crop stages, management options are limited. To stay ahead of damage from tar spot next season, Stastny recommends farmers start their defense strategies with seed.
“Seed selection can provide a first line of defense against tar spot pressure,” Stastny said. “Planting hybrids with greater genetic tolerance to tar spot can help farmers save on inputs and mitigate the spread for seasons to come.”
Goss’s wilt
Although Goss’s wilt is not spreading as rapidly as tar spot, infections can be just as devastating — reducing yield potential as much as 50%, according to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. With no in-season management tools available to control Goss’s wilt, those who experienced destruction from the disease in 2024 should put an emphasis on seed genetics as they make decisions for the upcoming season.
“A decade ago, Goss’s wilt just ate plants alive,” Stastny said. “Through breeding and genetic advancements, farmers now have access to superior technology to better manage the disease. For example, new Brevant brand Vorceed Enlist corn products have strong disease packages for Goss’s wilt tolerance for corn-on-corn acres."
SCN
SCN often goes unnoticed or gets misdiagnosed as nutrient deficiency or environmental stress. According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, SCN is thought to cost soybean producers $1.5 billion annually in North America. Stastny noted the impact SCN has on the industry is substantial and affects more soybean acres than farmers realize. He added that, with SCN populations on the rise, farmers need another tool to suppress expansion and improve plant health.
“Planting varieties with a different source of SCN resistance, such as Peking, can help protect fields early by giving plants the opportunity to develop a strong root system and set up soybeans for success,” Stastny said. “The current class of Brevant brand Enlist E3 soybeans features several Peking-resistant varieties to help farmers defend their acres against this yield-robbing disease like never before.”
Brevant seeds recommends that farmers work with their local ag retailer to manage these yield threats for the upcoming season and visit Brevant.com.
Although using fungicides is an option to combat tar spot pressure, planting corn products with increased resistance to the disease can help safeguard yield potential from the start.
About Brevant seeds in the U.S.
Brevant® seeds is a high-performance corn and soybean brand from Corteva Agriscience that provides industry-leading seed and service exclusively to retail. Brevant seeds sets itself apart by providing a unique way of doing business driven by its field experts teamed with local retailers.
For more information about Brevant seeds in the U.S., visit Brevant.com or follow Brevant on Facebook, X and YouTube.
About Corteva
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.
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