b'PARTNER CONTENTEstablishing Strong Foundation for Yield PotentialA groundbreaking seed treatment helps increase yields by 3 bu/A without causing plant stress.A fter soybeans are planted, you probably focus on what is happening above ground as the seedlings begin to emerge. But what is happening out of sight below the soil during these early growth stages is just as important, if not more. The United Soybean Board says poor root health can be blamed for up to 80% of plant disorders. Among the most threat-ening disorders are sudden death syndrome (SDS) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN).Combined, they account for losses in the millions of dollars each year, and like other yield-robbing disor-ders, both begin their attack at the roots and require strong coun-ter measures to negate their impact. SDS and SCN are large concerns for soybean growers, said Dale Ireland, Ph.D, technical product lead for Syngenta Seedcare. Severe SDS infection can cause up to 50% yield loss, and SCN hasComparison between soybean seedlings from Syngenta trials in cost about $1.5 billion in U.S. yield loss. Stanton, Minnesota 2019.Choosing SDS- and SCN-resistant varieties is the first step in fighting these disorders. After that, soybean growers should evalu-ate if other factors may be adding stress, inhibiting proper root development and preventing soybeans from reaching maximum genetic yield potential.Hidden Stress Impacting YieldSome seed treatments, including the current industry standard for SDS protection, can cause early-season stress, resulting in phy-totoxic burns on the cotyledons, stunting and reduced root mass. While it may look like soybeans overcome stress side effects above ground, hidden consequences below the soil persist. Early-season root damage may not be reversed. With ever-earlier planting and ever-more erratic weather, soy-beans are under enough stress as it is, and the last thing growers want is to cause more stress with their SDS seed treatment choice.Syngenta trials at Valmeyer, Illinois; under heavy SCN and SDS Now there is a solution that allows soybeans to get off to a strong(Fusarium virguliforme) presence; August 2019.56/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2020'