may be cupped or curled. Leaves detach from the petioles as the disease progresses. This reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and provide nutrients to promote pod fill, which results in aborted pods and reduced yields. While SDS infection of the roots occurs early in the season, above-ground symptoms of SDS usually don’t develop until late July or August or may never appear. “In some cases, SDS can rot the roots without showing any of the symptoms on the leaves,” says Mike McCarville, a Bayer SeedGrowth™ tech service representative. Control above- and below-ground SDS symptoms with ILeVO® While SDS symptoms may be more or less apparent some years than others, depending on weather conditions during the growing season, once the disease is in a field, it stays there. There is no cure for SDS, which must be monitored and managed consistently. Combining resistant seed varieties with the right seed treatment is critical to helping seedlings get the best possible start and reducing the risk of SDS infection, especially as growers continue to plant in earlier, wetter conditions. ILeVO seed treatment from Bayer offers innovative, exclusive technology that manages both the above- and below-ground phases of SDS. ILeVO controls the Fusarium pathogen that causes root rot at the initial infection site before symptoms become visible. This powerful seed treatment also complements current genetics, improving the yield potential of SDS- resistant varieties. By offering protection from disease pressure throughout the growing season, ILeVO promotes the development of stronger root systems and healthier foliage, which contributes to stronger stands and higher yield potential. On average, growers are seeing a 2 to 10 bushel-per-acre yield advantage when adding ILeVO to their current fungicide/insecticide seed treatment. Convenience and proven SDS protection that starts early in the growing season are big advantages of ILeVO, adds Bixel, who tried ILeVO in 240 of his soybean acres in 2016. The return on investment has encouraged Bixel to use ILeVO on all of his soybean acres going forward. “ILeVO is a great investment,” he says. “It’s exciting that we finally have a proven solution like this to help control SDS.” When Peter Bixel noticed bronzing on some of the leaves in his soybean fields near Kanawha, Iowa, he wasn’t exactly sure what was going on. Upon closer inspection, the discoloration turned out to be Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Often appearing as an isolated spot within a field, SDS can expand rapidly to infect other areas. SDS attacks soybean plants in two phases – initially as an infection in the roots below ground, often followed by distinct foliar symptoms above ground. Because the pathogen overwinters in the soil, it can spread with each new growing season. SDS accounts for millions of bushels of soybean yield losses in the United States each year, even though growers may not even realize this yield robber has infected their field until the end of the season when foliar symptoms may appear. “There’s nothing you can spray to control SDS. By the time you see above-ground symptoms of SDS, it’s too late,” says Bixel, a soybean and corn producer in northern Iowa. “I’ve seen yield losses of 25 to 40 bushels per acre from SDS.” Below-ground symptoms: Infection can occur within 72 hours of planting While above-ground foliar symptoms are the most obvious signs of SDS, some of the most serious consequences of the disease occur below ground through the infection that triggers root rot. SDS can infect plants within 72 hours of planting, notes Daren Mueller, an Iowa State University (ISU) Extension field crop pathologist. Brown to gray discolored areas develop in the vascular tissue of the lower stem and can typically be seen by cutting into the stem of fresh plants. With SDS, the pith within the stem remains white. “Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean SDS isn’t there,” says Matt Keel, a MaxYield Cooperative seed solutions specialist. SDS starts by rotting the plant’s root system throughout the growing season, limiting plants’ water and nutrient uptake. Above-ground symptoms: By the time you see it, it’s too late Early symptoms on leaves range from mosaic patterns to a yellowing appearance in the veins. These spots typically expand between the veins to become brown lesions surrounded by chlorotic areas, and the leaves Fighting a Top Yield Robber: Top Tips for Controlling Sudden Death Syndrome SDS accounts for millions of bushels of soybean yield losses in the United States each year, although growers may not even realize this yield robber has infected their fields. While above-ground foliar symptoms are the most obvious signs of SDS, some of the most serious consequences of the disease occur in the below-ground phase that triggers root rot. ILeVO® seed treatment from Bayer offers innovative, exclusive technology that manages both the above- and below-ground phases of SDS. On average, growers are seeing a 2 to 10 bushel-per-acre yield advantage when adding ILeVO to their current fungicide/insecticide seed treatment. KEY TAKEAWAYS Soybean roots infected with SDS Below-ground effect Above-ground effect ILeVO® -treated vs. untreated -treated vs. untreated -treated vs. untreated soybean plants, Tremont, IL soybean plants, Tremont, IL soybean plants, Tremont, IL To learn more about ILeVO® for management of SDS, visit ILeVO.Bayer.com. 1. 2. 3. © 2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and ILeVO are registered trademarks of Bayer. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us. CR0517ILEVOOA122V00R0 ADVERTORIAL