AUDIO: Matt Montgomery – Beck’s Hybrids
The agronomy education lead with Beck’s Hybrids says more soybean fields across the Midwest are being impacted by red crown rot.
Matt Montgomery tells Brownfield some infections were discovered three weeks earlier this year than in the past.
It’s now in southeast Minnesota, out into Ohio, more counties in Missouri that are showing up with red crown rot. Confirmations now in Iowa this year.” He says, “So, I think it has definitely expanded its footprint, and also people are just thinking about it more.”
He says proper management is currently the best way to limit the effects of red crown rot, which has been known to reduce yields in unmanaged fields by up to 60%.
“We’re looking at seed treatments, probably going with that Victrato on acres where you don’t suspect it, but maybe you’re anxious.” He says, “And then going with Victrado and a variety that seems to hold up well, where you know you’re in the neighborhood along with managing stress. Those are our best strategies right now.”
Montgomery says it remains to be seen what effects this year’s earlier detections will have on yields.
