ILeVO soybean yields continue to rise in 2015 trials

In 33 trials, soybeans treated with ILeVO were observed to have above-ground symptoms of Sudden Death Syndrome, but the average yield benefit was 6.5 bushels per acre.
In 33 trials, soybeans treated with ILeVO were observed to have above-ground symptoms of Sudden Death Syndrome, but the average yield benefit was 6.5 bushels per acre. | File photo

U.S. yield comparison trials with ILeVO seed treatment for soybeans was ongoing in 2015, showing a consistent uptick in yields for the third year in a row.

In 33 trials, soybeans treated with ILeVO were observed to have above-ground symptoms of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), but the average yield benefit was 6.5 bushels per acre. In 95 trials, there were few or no SDS symptoms and an average yield benefit of 2.9 bushels per acre with ILeVO.

“The results from the 2015 trials further confirm what we’ve already seen in previous years,” Bayer product manager Kerry Grossweiler said. “SDS has become an increasingly devastating yield and profit robber in soybean production areas throughout almost every growing region in the U.S. over the past 40 years. If soybean cyst nematodes are also a factor, the potential yield loss is even greater because injury to the roots provides an easy access point for fungal infection.”

The damage in 2014 caused by SDS costs soybean growers more than 60 million bushels in lost yield with soybean cyst nematode (SCN) coming in a close second in monetary damage. ILeVO seed treatment treats against both SDS and SCN.

“While ILeVO will not completely eradicate disease symptoms from a field, the incidence will be lowered and plants will maintain leaves longer, resulting in greater nutritional uptake for healthier pods and bigger seeds that lead to increased yields,” Grossweiler said.