DELAVAN, Ill. — Despite the probable presence of sudden death syndrome (SDS), above-average yields were prevalent during an all-season trial of 60 top soybean seed hybrids conducted at the Kevin Kendregan farm in Tazewell County.
An average yield of 54.4 bushels per acre was recorded during the test, which was conducted by Farmers’ Independent Research of Seed Technologies (FIRST). However, the growing season presented its usual challenges and limited the harvest on the Delavan farm, noted Eric Beyers, FIRST regional field manager.
"Kevin’s field received ample rainfall throughout the season, especially the month of August. These conditions contributed to disease development – likely sudden death syndrome – which killed some varieties prematurely limiting top-end yields.
"The upper 1 foot of dead plants had underdeveloped stems and pods," Beyers reported. "Plant heights ranged from 36 to 48 inches. Seed size varied widely due to disease."
Plant diseases notwithstanding, strong yields recorded during the test were led by Stine variety 37RC82, a United Soybean Board-sponsored entry, with an average yield of 62.2 bushels per acre. Gross income averaged $600 per acre, and the seed carried a 12.9 percent moisture level. Base moisture for all varieties was 13 percent, resulting in a drying cost of 2 cents.
The Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield seed was bred with Sulfonylurea herbicide tolerance. Its soybean cyst nematode (SCN) resistance level was positive.
Close behind Stine’s top entry was Steyer 3605R2, with a yield production of 61.5 bushels and gross per-acre income of $593. This RR2Y’s product’s SCN resistance rating was estimated as moderate. CruiserMaxx Beans seed treatment was incorporated into the seed’s genetic profile.
Finishing third in yield for the Oct. 25 soybean harvest at the Kendregan farm was FS Hisoy’s HS38A32 brand.
Rated positive for SCN resistance, the RR2Y product boasted a yield of 61.1 bushels per acre and $589 in gross income.
Additional 2014 test results can be accessed online at www.firstseedtests .com
