Bayer CropScience announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved its application for the registration of ILeVO. ILeVO protects the root system against infections caused by the Sudden Death Syndrome fungus and has activity against nematodes in the seed zone.
ILeVO will give soybean growers a new option to protect their crops from the fungus that causes Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and nematodes, specifically the Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) – two of the top five yield-robbing pests in soybeans. Until now, there was no seed treatment available to protect soybean plants against both SDS and nematodes, explained company spokespeople.
“Our field trials have shown that soybean seeds treated with ILeVO early in the season give valuable yield benefit across geographies and seed varieties,” said Jennifer Riggs, Bayer SeedGrowth product development manager. “Bayer CropScience is very excited to bring the first seed treatment fungicide/nematicide solution for SDS and major nematodes to the market.”
According to the United Soybean Board, from 2009 to 2011, average losses from SDS in the United States were estimated at 42 million bushels per year, and the disease is spreading and intensifying.
During research and field trials from 2011-2014, ILeVO was used on 181 fields with visual symptoms of SDS. In those trials, yield benefits ranged from 4 to 10 bu/A over untreated seeds with visual SDS symptoms. Even when foliar symptoms are not present, growers still see an average yield increase of 2 bu/A when using ILeVO because of protection against root rot, explained Brad May, head of SeedGrowth marketing at Bayer CropScience.
The impact on yield depends on the growth stage at the onset of symptoms, as yield losses are greater when symptoms develop in early reproductive stages. By protecting the root system early in the growth stages, specifically the seed zone, against the SDS fungus and nematodes, it allows the plant to be healthier from the start for higher yield potential.
"ILeVO is exciting chemistry because it controls SCN in seed zone. Now you can control SDS and SCN," said May. "Pair that with Poncho/VOTiVO, which are the insecticide and the biological controls, and there’s nothing better at getting the maximum soybean yields."
Daren Mueller, Iowa State University Extension plant pathologist said growers should focus on an integrated approach to SDS management.
“While we do have some levels of resistance to the disease in many of the maturity groups, there are no soybeans that are completely immune to SDS. Having an integrated management approach with the addition of products such as ILeVO would provide a sound set of tools for growers to protect their crop when resistance may not be enough. We’ve tested ILeVO, and it appears to be a very effective product in preventing damage from SDS,” said Mueller.
