There is concern regarding soybean seed quality for the 2019 planting season , according to Dr. Sartori,
OSU Pathologist.
What is causing all of the low germination? From the samples we have received, we are culturing the
expected soybean seed borne pathogens: Phomopsis, Diaporthe, Fusarium, and Cercospora spp. All of these
will affect seed and seedling health if the seed is not treated with a fungicide that can control true
fungi.
Is it worth treating the seed? In the old days, the recommendations were if you has a batch of seed that
was less than 70% germination, that it should not be used the next year. Based on the samples we
received, the infections were mostly on the outside of the seed and the seed germinated before it was
colonized by the fungus. Seed treatments greatly improved germination and health of the seedling by as
much as 40 to 50%. With seed of some varieties going to be limited, and the seed treatments are working,
we may have some room here if needed, but only the best soybeans should be used for seed.
Which fungicide seed treatment was most effective? There are several fungicide active ingredients that
are effective towards Phomopsis and Fusarium seed decay: fludioxonil, fluzapyroxad, ipconazole, PCNB,
penflufen, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, sedaxane, and thiabendazole (TBZ).
Pick the best conditions to plant in 2019! Soybean seed had a rough go of it at the end of the 2018
season and it will also have a rough go of it once it is planted. Once it is cleaned and sorted, has the
right fungicide seed treatment on it, use the best days to plant the seed. Delay soybean planting until
soil temps (not air temps) are suitable and the rain that is forecast is reasonable.