When used strategically, soybean seed treatment can provide fairly consistent economic returns.  Use a decision tree for making a profitable soybean seed treatment decision.

Use of fungicide or fungicide/insecticide seed treatments may be of value when…

• Planting into cool or cool, wet soils (<55°F).  (May include poorly drained or heavy textured soils.)
• A weather pattern of cool, wet conditions is expected to continue.
• Excessively dry soil delays germination and emergence.
• There is a history of Pythium or Phytophthora in this field.
• The tillage program is reduced or no-till.
• The chosen soybean variety is tolerant or susceptible to Pythium or Phythophthora, or other seedling diseases.
• The chosen soybean variety has low seedling vigor or is known for slow emergence.
• Soybeans are being grown back-to-back in this field.
• The soybean seeding rate is below normal for the planter row spacing.

Research suggests that soybean fungicide or fungicide/insecticide seed treatments have a trend toward increasing value with early planting.  Historically, this has meant planting before the first week of May in most areas.  However, in a year like this one, “early planting” is relative.  Ideal soil conditions include adequate drainage and temperatures between 55 and 60°F, trending upward.  Planting earlier than this should be regarded as early planting.

The choice of seed treatment product is up to the producer, in agreement with the seed supplier.  There are several good products available.  Since the cost is not appreciably higher, it is probably wise to select a product that combines a proven fungicide, or combination, along with a proven neonicotinoid insecticide.  The neonicotinoid insecticides tend to stimulate germination and quick emergence of the soybeans, while providing protection against seedcorn maggots and other pests.  The decision to include other components, like soybean cyst nematode management, should be made according to need.