Seed Treatment with Fungicides High-quality soybean seed planted in warm, moist soil generally do not require fungicidal protection. Under good planting conditions, yields will seldom be influenced by fungicides. However, many growers apply a fungicide as insurance against unfavorable seedbed conditions, seed rots, and seedling disease. Seed treatments can be beneficial if one of these situations exists, but several studies in Mississippi have shown no yield benefit from the use of seed treatments when soybeans are planted under optimum conditions. In recent years, a shift toward earlier plantings has raised a lot of questions about seed treatments.
Several fungicides are available for use as seed treatments.
Liquid formulations give a more uniform coating, whereas dry powders may be less uniform in coverage and accumulate in the bottom of seed hoppers. The biggest question facing producers is what to use. Certain conditions favor different seedling diseases. When and what product to use depends greatly on time of planting, the 5-day weather forecast, and history. Seed treatments are only insurance and under certain conditions are not needed.