The breakeven point for soybean foliar-fungicide application was 2.5 bushels per acre, according to research studies conducted in Iowa from 2006 through 2009. That's based on $9.48-per-bushel soybeans and $24 per acre of fungicide and application, say Iowa State University Extension specialist Daren Mueller and ISU plant pathologist Alison Robertson.

Their article analyzing the research appeared in a recent issue of Iowa State University's Integrated Crop Management newsletter.

By Daren Mueller and Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology, Iowa State University

We recently collated and summarized data from soybean fungicide small plot trials conducted by Iowa State University faculty and staff, and on-farm trials conducted by the Iowa Soybean Association On-Farm Network, the ISU Corn and Soybean Initiative and the ISU Northwest On-Farm research program.

  • For the total 831 observations, the overall mean yield response was 2.18 bu/A. 
  • Yield response of small plot trials (282 observations) was 1.67 bushels per acre, compared with 2.44 bushels per acre for on-farm strip trials (549 observations).  
  • The mean yield response varied among years: 2.11 bushels per acre (for 8 observations in 2006), 4.42 bushels per acre (16 observations, 2007), 2.37 bushels per acre (599 observations, 2008) and 1.46 bushels per acre (208 observations, 2009).
  • Applications at R2 and R3 resulted in the highest mean yield response (2.32 bushels per acre and 2.42 bushels, respectively).  The mean yield response for a fungicide application at R1 was 1.07 bushels per acre, while the mean yield response at R4 and R5 was  more than 1 bushel per acre.
  • The mean yield response was greatest for fungicides that contained a strobilurin, either alone (2.52 bushels per acre) or in a premix (2.13 bushels per acre).
  • Disease ratings were not taken from all plots. Where noted, brown spot, downy mildew, Cercospora leaf blight and frogeye leaf spot were rated. The predominant disease was brown spot. Mean yield response was greater when disease severity in a field at R5 was less than 5 percent (1.79 bushels per acre) compared with disease severity of less than 5 percent (0.68 bushels per acre).
  • Based on the price of soybean of $9.48 and $24 product and application, the breakeven yield response is 2.53 bushels per acre.

In our research, we have found that foliar disease severity in Iowa seldom reaches high enough levels to impact yield significantly. The warm, wet start to the 2010 growing season, however, has been favorable for brown spot development in the lower canopy. If this weather continues (warm with frequent rains), we could see brown spot move up into the mid-canopy of soybean plants, and impact yield. Thus, a foliar fungicide application at R3 could be a good decision.

Other things to consider before applying a fungicide include economics (e.g., the price of soybean, and price of product plus application). Scout fields to determine disease pressure. Specifically, check on brown spot severity in the mid canopy. Frogeye leaf spot also may occur in the mid-canopy and Cercospora leaf blight in the top canopy. 

(Daren Mueller is an extension specialist with responsibilities in the Corn and Soybean Initiative. Mueller can be reached at (515) 460-8000 or by email at dsmuelle@iastate.edu.
dsmuelle

Alison Robertson is an assistant professor of plant pathology with research and extension responsibilities in field crop diseases. Robertson may be reached at (515) 294-6708 or by email at alisonr@iastate.edu