Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76Phytophthora is another yield-robbing pathogen that causes similar symptoms. Conley says that Phytophthora is more of a concern as you get into Ohio and other areas where there’s more no-till and bean-on-beans. Jennifer Riggs, Bayer SeedGrowth product devel- opment manager, says that these pathogens exist in most farmers’ soils, but it’s the envi- ronment that triggers them to become active. Conley adds that sudden death syndrome (SDS) and soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) are spreading to newer production regions. Couple that with the breakdown of PI88788 and there are more entry sites on the root for different pathogens to take advantage of. Nematodes are decimating global harvests of some of the most important staple food- stuffs. In the Midwest, nema- todes are responsible for a 5 percent to 10 percent yield loss in corn. Riggs says that of all the pests, nematodes are one of the hardest to control and hardest to see because they don’t cause many above- ground symptoms, but they can sure impact yield. Root Protection Knowing this, companies such as Bayer, BASF and Syngenta have been at work on new formulations to protect the seed as it germinates and grows. Bayer has brought two relatively new products to market to help with nema- todes — ILeVO and VOTiVO. Riggs explains that ILeVO pro- tects seedlings against nema- todes when roots are within 6 to 8 inches of the seed zone. Then VOTiVO, a biological, is a bacteria that grows and multi- plies on the root surface. The bacteria creates a secretion that actually blocks the nematodes from being able to find the root, Riggs explains, and that prevents feeding and reproduction. She says that those two products are being com- bined on the seed to provide increased protection as the plant grows. Then there’s Poncho/ VOTiVO, which was first introduced on corn in 2010 and then introduced on soybeans in 2012. It combines the biological with a systemic insecticide that’s absorbed by new roots. Riggs says when Poncho/VOTiVO is applied to soybeans, the average yield benefit is doubled when the seed is planted early in the first two weeks of a six-week window. Burton says that the seed treatment actually changes the structure of the root system, allowing it to conserve more carbon. With a more carbon-efficient root system, the plant can grow new roots into unexplored areas of the soil. This enhanced soil explo- ration is important for early season capture of nitrogen, as well as accessing deep stores of water during periods of drought. Syngenta’s researchers have also been working to help farmers fight off the $1.5 billion SCN pest. The company introduced Clariva Complete Beans, a seed treatment that pairs a nematicide with the insect and disease protection of CruiserMaxx Beans with Vibrance insecticide/ fungicide seed treatment. Ireland adds that the active ingredient in Clariva Complete Beans is Pasteuria nishizawae — spores that are released into the surrounding soils. “These spores attach to the outer layer of the second- stage juvenile SCN as they pass through treated soil,” he says. “Once attached, the spores produce germ tubes that penetrate and infect the nematode’s interior body. “The infection results in reduced SCN reproduction and feeding, and ultimately leads to the death of the nem- atode. As the remains of the deceased nematode decom- pose, P. nishizawae spores are once again released into the soil and will infect new gen- erations of SCN.” Companies continue to invest in new research to help protect crops, with more and more emphasis being placed on the roots and their surrounding environment. Many experts agree that root growth that is lost early is often not re-gained, so pro- tection is critical. Evidence shows a strong correlation exists between seed treatments, root growth and yield. Conley encourages retail- ers and growers to dig up roots and look below ground all season long. “This will help you to make better decisions for the following year — what crop to plant, what varieties to select, what actives to use and at what rates,” he says. “If you don’t know what’s limiting yield, you won’t be able to manage it.” SW 28 / SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2016 LEARNMORE Join Seed World Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific for a webinar to get a more in-depth look at the role roots play in increasing yield and how seed treatments fit into that picture. During the webinar, participants will uncover what’s happening below ground, learn about the role of roots in plant nutrition and explore how seed treatments can protect the roots. There’s no cost to register. Reserve your spot today by visiting seedworld.com/webinar. SUPPORTED BY ENDORSED BY