Choosing Genetics is the First Step for High Soybean Yields

There is no perfect soybean variety – but if growers choose the best genetics for their field environment, that management decision will deliver yield. That’s a strategy that Syngenta agronomists share with every grower.

Think genetics first. Many growers spend a lot of time identifying soybean varieties that have a yield punch and consistently perform well in yield trials. An equally important consideration, however, is how the variety stacks up against pests and disease.

In Western Canada, Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC), phytophthora root rot and white mould are just three of the many culprits lurking in fields that can crush yield expectations. That’s why it’s so critical to understand the genetic strengths and weaknesses of your varieties.

Consider a variety’s disease and pest ratings

It can be exciting to choose varieties that top the yield trials, but some of the most important information that needs to be considered are the disease and pest ratings.

The discovery process is critically important for growers. That’s when Syngenta agronomists identify environmental factors that must be factored into the genetics decision. Has the field been tested for IDC? Is there a history of white mould? What about phytophthora? Are soybeans being grown consecutively in the same field?

Choose a balanced variety

The answers to these questions will help growers choose the best and most balanced variety for the field environment. For example, in the corn industry, the goal is a balanced hybrid. The approach needs to be the same for soybeans. Often growers approach variety selection as offence – grow the variety with the highest potential. But defence should also be a consideration.

When it comes to white mould, for example, genetics is the first line of defence. Fields with a history of white mould require a variety with a high rating for tolerance to the disease. The research and agronomy team at Syngenta has spent a lot of time determining ratings for different diseases. Establishing yield potential is easy compared to determining the disease profile. But once identified, the ratings are very powerful.

Intensify management to improve your defence

Often, genetics can’t defend against all the yield limiting factors in a field. This is where the  G x E x M approach plays a key role. All soybean varieties have strengths and weaknesses. The key is to identify genetic advantages that can boost yield while intensifying management to improve the grower’s defence.

In Western Canada, Syngenta agronomists recommend a balanced approach for growers who are concerned about IDC, phytophthora and white mould. In this case, a variety like S007-Y4 is a solid choice – it carries the Rps1c gene, as well as, for strong phytophthora field tolerance and also offers excellent white mould tolerance. S006-W5 is another good choice, because it features a unique Rps gene stack for superior phytophthora protection.