Soybean response to Endura in Eaton Rapids

A 2015 on-farm research trial in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, showed that foliar applied Endura fungicide caused small but significant increases in soybean yield.

There is concern among soybean producers that soybean above ground diseases, particularly late in the season, are causing yield reductions in Michigan. As such, there is a tendency among some soybean producers to apply fungicides without sound experimental evidence. In 2015, on-farm research was conducted at Lyle and Bill Lawrence Farm in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to test the effect of foliar spraying Endura on white mold and resulting yield. This trial was conducted thanks to the Soybean Management and Research Technology (SMaRT) Project.

The trial consisted of two treatments, a foliar spray of Endura and a non-treated check. The trial was planted May 28, 2015. The plots were 60 feet wide at 15-inch row spacing. The treatments were randomized and replicated four times. The planting population was 160,000 seeds per acre. The previous crop was corn. Minimum tillage was used. The foliar fungicide was applied at the R1 growth stage at the rate of 8 ounces per acre mixed with surfactant, in 15 gallons per acre. Soybeans were harvested Oct. 1. White mold incidence was recorded prior to harvest.

Effects of foliar fungicide Endura on soybean yield – Eaton Rapids, MI 2015.

Treatment

Grain moisture (%)

Soybean yield* (Bu/A)

White mold incidence (number/100 plants)

Endura treated

13.2

55.4 a

1.5 b

Untreated

13.2

53.5 b

3.0 a

*Soybean yield was significantly different (p<0.10). Yield was adjusted to 13 percent moisture.

The soybean yield difference between the two treatments was small but significant at 90 percent confidence level (see table). A point of noticeable interest was that although this field had a history of white mold, the incidence in 2015 was minimal. Endura significantly reduced the white mold count in treated plots compared to untreated. Endura is effective against several foliar diseases, so it is conceivable that it suppressed some other diseases as well, although this was not readily evident.

It is worthwhile to note that based on the cost effectiveness of the fungicide and price of soybeans, the yield increase achieved by Endura at this location may be too small to economically justify its use on soybeans this year. However, this data is from one year, one site and one variety. In a year where weather conditions would be more favorable to white mold disease, greater levels of disease control and yield protection may be expected.

The SMaRT project evaluated the performances of Endura at 10 Michigan locations. Michigan State University Extension senior soybean educator Mike Staton will summarize the data from all locations in the 2015 SMaRT report. This report will be sent to Michigan farmers in early January.

The author wishes to thank Lyle and Bill Lawrence, soybean producers from Eaton Rapids, Michigan; John Oakley, local seed dealer and crop consultant; and Ryan Walker and Mark Seamon, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, for their active support and collaboration in this study.

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