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POSTERS: Chemical control

Effect of Apron Maxx seed treatment on soybean seedling diseases, seedling vigor, and yields in Pennsylvania.
Ananda Bandara - The Pennsylvania State University. Alyssa Collins- Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center, Brandon Wilt- The Pennsylvania State University, Paul Esker- The Pennsylvania State University, Dilooshi K. Weerasooriya- The Pennsylvania State University, Del Voight- Penn State Extensi

Fungicide seed treatments have extensively been used to control soil borne diseases in the United States. However, reports on fungicide seed treatment-associated positive yield responses are variable in crops such as soybean. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Apron Maxx (Mefenoxam + Fludioxonil) on seedling diseases, seedling vigor, and yields of soybean grown in Pennsylvania. On-farm field and small plot trials were conducted in seven counties (Bradford, Armstrong, Lancaster, McKean, Centre, Somerset, and Tioga). At each location, plots were arranged in randomized complete block design. At R1 growth stage, 15 seedlings from each plot (Apron or control) were carefully uprooted to quantify the incidence of root rots. Seedling height (SH), tap root length (TRL), root/shoot weight (RW/SW: dry basis) were measured as seedling vigor indicators. Test weight (lbs/bu) and yield (bu/ac) were measured at harvest. Surprisingly, root rots were absent in both Apron and control plots at all locations. Non-significant differences were observed between control and Apron for SH, TRL, RW, or SW at all locations. Apron did not significantly increase test weight or yield compared to control at all locations. Overall, findings of this study showed that Apron is unable to positively impact soybean seedling vigor and yields. Findings would help Pennsylvania soybean farmers to make rational decision making on the use of fungicide seed treatments to maximize profits.