From Seeds to Solutions
Highlights from MSR&PC’s 2024 Research Projects
Management
20. Evaluating Control Methods for a New LeafMining Pest of Soybean in Minnesota
21. A Soybean Crop Model Calibrated and Validated for Minnesota Field Conditions
22. Soybean Extension for a Modern World: Connecting With More Minnesota Farmers
24. Intensification Frontiers: A Second-Round Study on Cover Crops and DoubleCropping in Minnesota-Real Fields
26. On-Farm Attainable Yield and the Role of Fertilizer and Fungicide Management
28. Carbon Credits in Minnesota: Evaluating the Dual Impact of Agricultural Management Practices on Carbon Sequestration
30. Raising the Ceiling for Minnesota Soybean Yields By Boosting Tolerance to Atmospheric Drought
31. Breaking the Cycle: Beating Giant Ragweed with More Than a Jug 32. Glufosinate Resistance in Waterhemp: A Growing Concern
33. Soybean Canopy Management for Herbicide-Resistant Weed Control
34. A Look Ahead: 2025 Research Projects
Research ROI: Today’s Needs, Tomorrow’s Opportunities
You hold in your hands (or on a screen, for the more digitally minded readers among us) the firstever magazine-sized Research Report published by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC). In this special issue, you’ll read key takeaways from nearly 20 checkoff-funded research projects across our priority areas – including weed and pest management, soybean breeding genetics and agronomy – from some of our industry’s brightest minds.
This publication is the brainchild of our board and new Research Director Sergio Cabello Leiva. I join Sergio in paying tribute to his predecessor, Dr. David Kee, for managing these projects during 202425, prior to Sergio joining MSR&PC in spring 2025. David served as the Council’s research lead for a decade; his passion for agronomy and production research is truly unmatched. The scope of these projects reflects his expertise and professional oversight.
In my role on the Council (and previously, as a director with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association), I’ve been proud to not only participate in these checkoff-funded projects on my farm, but also serve as chair of our research action team, a collaboration of farmer leaders from both MSR&PC and MSGA. My colleagues and I take great care and pride in volunteering our time every year to consider, debate and approve research projects. Once the action team reviews these proposals, the full Council gives final approval during our April board meetings before funding is released in May. To that end, I’d like to acknowledge the stewardship of my friend Gene Stoel, who chaired our research committee when these projects were funded in fiscal year 2024.
We understand that while research is dynamic and innovative and helps us improve yields and tackle issues, it can also get deep in the weeds, so to speak. That’s why we continue to make this research readily available and as easily digestible as possible. We hope you enjoy reading in this issue how MSR&PC-sponsored research is doing its part in addressing the production challenges growers face across Minnesota. We look forward to finding new ways to spotlight how soy checkoff funds are spent wisely and returning value to our farms.
Corey Hanson, MSR&PC District 1, 2 & 3 Director
As chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, I see day in and day out how our organization has its eyes set on the future to improve the economic outlook for our producers. It’s important to look back at the Council’s history and recognize, over time, how we’ve leveraged checkoff funds to develop new varieties and genetics; built markets and created new uses – along with, as you’ll read in this issue, taking a closer look at how projects funded over the past year progressed and returned value to our farms. Checkoff wins aren’t gained overnight; they take time (years, oftentimes) to cultivate. MSR&PC has an over half-century history of supporting research that has combated pests and diseases, grown our acreage across Minnesota and improved farmer profitability. As farmer board members, we understand the responsibility we have in directing hardearned checkoff dollars.
But as farmers, we also must look beyond the horizon to anticipate the next agronomic obstacle facing our operations. That’s why one-third of the research projects we funded in FY24 delved into future challenges, digging deep to uncover answers today for questions that could be asked tomorrow. Our Council is focused on approving projects that are designed for today, the next five years – and the next decade. That’s a tight needle to thread! But through collaboration with public and private researchers across the Upper Midwest, our staff leaders and farmer directors, we are investing checkoff funds for the long term.
We appreciate you taking the time to read how the checkoff is funding research that continues to make Minnesota farmers leaders in their field. I’d also encourage my fellow farmers to visit our website, mnsoybean.org, and our social media pages to learn more on how the checkoff is planting seeds for future growth.
Gail Donkers, MSR&PC Chair/District 8 Director
Training Future Ag Professionals on NDVI Use and Impacts in Soybean Production Via Hands-on Learning
Organization awarded: Southwest Minnesota State University Principal Investigator: Adam Alford
Summary content:
This checkoff-supported project’s primary purpose was to provide experimental learning opportunities to students both those in class, and those conducting the field work. While this grant focused on educating students on the uses of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), all aspects of the soybean production cycle were fair game when it came to providing hands-on learning opportunities to students.
Our experiment looked at how altering the levels of added PO4, in PO4 deficient soil, impacted our weekly NDVI values as well as yield in soybean plots. Several PO4 rates were used (Table 1). In short the NDVI is a metric that ranges in value from 0 to 1 with values closer to 1, indicating healthy dense vegetation and those closer to 0 indicate little to no vegetation and/or a lack of photosynthesis. NDVI is calculated with machinery that measures red light (which humans can see) and infrared light (which humans cannot).
NDVI sensing was first developed in the 1970s, but only commercialized for agricultural use in the 2010s and allows for in-season management of N in a variety of crops. There is a variety of products, equipment, and services revolving around the use of NDVI currently on the market and more are being developed every day. As such, it appears NDVI, or
Table 1
a NDVI like metric (which uses other wavelengths of light) to get information about the crop is an approach to farming that is here to stay, and it is important our future ag workers understand its advantages and disadvantages.
Findings:
Overall this project was a success and SMSU’s ag programs are grateful for the continuing support of MSR&PC. While no single fertility treatment outperformed any other single treatment in terms of yield (Table 1), the plots were primarily used as a staging area to teach future ag professionals some of the finer points of soybean production. We also found that NDVI values changed throughout the season and our only statistical difference was due to the inclusion of a weedy soybean treatment (Figure 1), highlighting the need to ground truth any remotely collected NDVI data. The results of these plots were communicated in person, at the plot to 130 non-student individuals, and 83 students at SMSU in the 2024-2025 academic year so far, for a total of 213 individuals. These numbers also include some SMSU courses such as: AGRO 132 Principles of Crop Production, AGRO 341 Principles of Pest Management, AGRO 390 Precision Ag, and AGRO 454 Experimental Design in Agriculture.
differences resultant from PO4 reported
Results of the five different experimental treatments. No statistical difference was reported in yield or 100 seed weight.
Figure 1 NDVI Values over the planting season. Statistical differences existed for the first 53 DPP due to the presence of weeds. No
Soybean Breeding and Genetics
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigator: Aaron Lorenz
Summary content:
Research importance: The development and adoption of new soybean cultivars with higher yield, enhanced seed composition and resistance to various stresses help Minnesota soybean farmers achieve profitability. Most soybean cultivars purchased by farmers were developed by private seed companies, yet public soybean breeding still has an important role. The University of Minnesota Soybean Breeding program is a broad-based research and development program dedicated to advancement of soybean germplasm adapted to Minnesota; development of new breeding methods; discovery of new economically important traits and genes; the education of professionals in the agricultural industry, especially new plant breeders. The advancement of soybean germplasm for Minnesota takes multiple forms, ranging from the release and licensure of general-purpose soybean varieties to the development of specialty soybean varieties that command a premium for producers, to the integration of novel forms of pest resistance and seed composition into elite northern-adapted soybean varieties, effectively creating a bridge between researchers and the soybeans grown in farmers’ fields. We make our discoveries on the genetic control of economically important traits and breeding method improvements publicly available, contributing to the overall knowledge base that benefits all
breeding programs, both public and private.
Research conducted: This past year we carried out the routine activities of our established breeding program. We made 100 new crosses, advanced generations of breeding in our winter nursery in Chile, planted yield trials across 11 Minnesota locations, collected samples for compositional analysis and multiplied seeds of promising new breeding lines for release as cultivars. We also carried out the UMN Soybean Variety Trials and published the results comparing the performance of more than 88 commercial varieties.
Findings:
We had a successful year in terms of germplasm and cultivars releases and transfers to private companies. We submitted invention disclosures on 17 new lines that were transferred to private companies for testing. Moreover, we licensed 14 new cultivars to four different breeding companies for either direct commercialization or use as a breeding parent. This release of germplasm represents the success our program is having is identifying new elite cultivars with unique traits such as high protein, aphid resistance and high oleic fatty acid composition. One new cultivar we are particularly proud of carries aphid resistance, high seed protein, and a clear hilum, making it suitable for the soymilk market.
“Crossing”: Breeding specialist cross pollinating soybean varieties in July. Each year, we cross pollinate 50 to 100 promising soybean varieties to create new breeding populations. New cultivars are ultimately extracted from these breeding populations after years of generational advancement and testing.
2024 Western Minnesota Soybean IPM Survey
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota Extension
Principal Investigators: Angie Peltier & Anthony Hanson
Summary content:
This project, which marked its 11th year in 2024, used field survey data to inform farmers and other agricultural professionals of pest and disease issues in-season. Three IPM scouts traveled western Minnesota, visiting 469 soybean fields, looking for old and new pests and diseases using a set protocol. In each field, soybeans were growthstaged and insects including grasshoppers, soybean aphid (SBA) incidence, severity and parasitic wasp infestation, soybean tentiform leafminer, soybean gall midge and presence and feeding injury caused by Japanese beetles, two-spotted spider mites, bean leaf beetles and foliagefeeding caterpillars were scouted. Incidence and severity of frogeye leaf spot, Cercospora leaf blight, Alfalfa mosaic virus and Phytophthora root and stem rot symptoms were also scouted.
Findings:
SBA incidence increased from 0 to 81-100% of plants infested over a two-week period in July, eventually leading many fields to reach treatments thresholds (250 aphids per plant on 80% of plants with populations increasing) and be treated with an insecticide. It is theorized that the mild 2023-24 winter led to 2024 being a “good” SBA year, meaning that the even milder 2024-25 winter may be setting Minnesota soybean producers up for another ‘good’ SBA year in 2025.
Cercospora leaf blight was observed throughout much of the scouting area, with symptomatic fields as far flung as Big Stone and Roseau Counties.
Economic Benefit to a Typical 500 Acre Soybean Enterprise: With the knowledge that 2024 was going to be a SBA management challenge, PIs were able to share with farmers how best to manage this pest, given current labeled pesticides. For example, with pyrethroid-resistant soybean aphid populations still widespread, an understanding of how using premixes with active ingredients from two different insecticide groups may impact both in-season management and the insecticide-resistance profile of the larger population is essential. Premixes have multiple active ingredients combined often at lower than the label rates of each active ingredient (a.i.) on their own. When one of the a.i.’s is a pyrethroid, the other tank mix partner is working from a position of vulnerability. Lower rates of a single effective active ingredient puts tremendous selection pressure on the SBA population to select out those individuals capable of surviving what would now be two different classes of insecticides. Having effective pesticides from multiple insecticide classes to control this damaging insect is essential for long-term, high-yielding soybean production in Minnesota; thus, they’re priceless.
Map of Cercospora leaf blight incidence from the 2024 MSRPCsponsored IPM Scouting Program; note: symbols other than black dots indicate that Cercospora leaf blight was observed (NDSU IPM)
Soybean aphids on Minnesota soybean. (Angie Peltier)
Tackling Twin Threats to Soybean in NW MN: SCN & IDC
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota Extension
Principal Investigators: Angie Peltier & Heather Dufault
Farmer-cooperator: MSR&PC Director Corey Hanson
Summary Content:
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most yield-limiting pathogen of soybean. Other than an errant frost, drought or flooding, we argue that iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is the abiotic disease most limiting to soybean yield potential in western MN.
On June 9, 2024, 160,000-165,000 seeds/ A were planted at 1 inch with seed with/without 0.8 fl oz/140,000 seeds Saltro (a.i. pydiflymetofen) labeled for SCN. Ferrilene, an EDDHAchelated form of iron (6%) was applied at 3 lbs/A in-furrow at planting. Treatments included, 1) untreated control (UTC), 2) Saltro + Ferrilene, 3) Saltro alone and 4) Ferrilene alone. Each 700-foot long plot was planted to a variety with PI88788 SCN resistance in an RCB design with four replicates. Foliar IDC symptoms were collected from two locations throughout each plot using a ratings scale used by NDSU soybean breeders as were stand counts. Plot yields were determined with a combine and weigh-wagon. Fifteen, eight-inch soil cores were collected within the soybean rooting zone in spring and fall.
Findings:
Soybean stands were statistically similar and ranged from 104,940 to 114,840 plants/A. Later planting into warmer soils
into a tiled field may not have provided the most conducive IDC environment, with IDC symptoms similar among treatments. Yields were also similar, although the UTC had the numerically lowest yield (49.6 bu/A) and the Saltro + Ferrilene treatment the highest (54.0 bu/A).
Spring, SCN egg counts ranged from 350 to 850/100 cc and fall counts from 2,483 to 3,917/100 cc. The lowest fall counts were in plots planted to treated seed, suggesting a potential trend in limiting SCN population growth; 1,200-1,400 more eggs/100 cc were observed in treated plots than non-treated. Economic benefit to a typical 500 acre-soybean enterprise: Inherent soil variability and limited replications mean that we have little certainty that the results observed would be similar in different fields or years.
SCN population growth in 2024 in plots planted to treated seed was ~half that of plots without SCN seed treatment. While the soybean variety planted had PI88788 SCN resistance, reproduction in 2024 added up to 10 times the population density present in the spring. As PI88788 SCN resistance continues to lose its potency, farmers may consider using seed treatments labeled for SCN management, rendering this work necessary.
Nutrient Management for Profitable Soybean Production
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota Extension
Principal Investigator: Daniel Kaiser
Summary Content:
With sulfur use increasing in Minnesota, there have been questions regarding whether the routine application of sulfur should be considered by soybean producers. Past research in Minnesota has shown that soybeans can respond to sulfur, but typical rates applied ahead of corn more than 10 lbs of sulfur per acre are sufficient to supply sulfur for both crops. A study was established in 2022 comparing different sources of sulfur broadcast and banded ahead of corn on yield of both corn and soybean grown in a two-year rotation.
The sources of sulfur were chosen to compare elemental sulfur and sulfate where some sources of fertilizer like ammonium sulfate and elemental sulfur can result in soil acidification. Pell lime was included to offset acidification. To date there has been no yield increase due to pell lime application to corn or soybean.
Findings:
There was no increase in corn or soybean grain yield at all four locations over the first corn-soybean rotation. A second corn-soybean rotation was established at two locations re-applying fertilizer to the same plots at two locations in
2025. Corn grain yield was increased for all sources of sulfur regardless of whether the sulfur was broadcast or banded at the two locations. Research data indicates that soybean did take up additional sulfur that was left in the soil following sulfur application before corn where yield was not affected and the additional sulfur only benefitted some soybean seed quality parameters. Like past studies, we have demonstrated that sulfur applied in the sulfate form will carry over from one year to the next. A direct application of sulfur ahead of soybeans is not needed if sulfur is available in the soil or there is some leftover sulfur not used by the corn.
The lack of sulfur response during the first two years was likely a result of past applications of sulfur that are carried over from previous years’ applications. Carryover of sulfur needs to be considered when planning research trials. Soybeans are more likely to respond to sulfur by increasing cysteine and methionine concentration more than increasing grain yield. This increase in amino acids proves that sulfur applied ahead of corn is available to the soybean plant but is not necessarily required to increase seed yield.
Addressing Management Challenges with Soybean Stem Diseases in Minnesota
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigator: Dean Malvick
Summary content:
This project centers on research into managing yield and quality limiting effects of the soybean stem diseases brown stem rot and pod and stem blight. These diseases are widespread and problematic in soybean production fields across Minnesota. Crop rotations and resistant varieties can suppress brown stem rot (BSR), but yield loss still occurs. The most effective methods to manage pod and stem blight (PSB) are poorly understood. The potential of seed treatment fungicides for managing BSR and PSB has been unclear despite their widespread use. This research addresses approaches to improve management of these diseases.
Research was conducted in the field, greenhouse and lab to advance tactics to manage BSR and PSB. Soybean breeding lines and varieties were evaluated in replicated studies to identify and characterize resistance to BSR and to PSB. We also worked to develop and validate a higher throughput method to evaluate soybean lines for resistance to BSR that is less subject to environmental variability. Field studies in Waseca and Rosemount, as well as greenhouse and lab studies, were completed to determine if seed treatments and foliar fungicides are effective against these diseases.
Findings:
This project addresses short and long-term goals to manage the common and damaging diseases BSR and PSB. The soybean lines that were evaluated for resistance to BSR and PSB differed in their resistance to these diseases. This information is being incorporated into the UMN soybean breeding program to minimize susceptibility to BSR and PSB as more advanced lines and varieties are developed. Our evaluation of new disease screening methods suggests that they may be able to reduce time and challenges with evaluating resistance to BSR. Lab studies suggest that some fungicide seed treatments can suppress growth of the BSR pathogen, however, they have not provided similar suppression of BSR in the field. Seed treatments did not suppress PSB in our experiments and this disease did not develop sufficiently in the field to assess the efficacy of foliar fungicides. More work is needed to understand the potential value of fungicides for these diseases.
This research improves understanding and management of key soybean stem diseases. Results have been transferred through production meetings and field days, scientific meetings, and agricultural news outlets. The ultimate benefit to soybean growers is increased yields and reduced risk of lost yields due to disease.
Genetics of Soybean Cyst Nematode Virulence and Morphometric Traits
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigator: Senyu Chen
Investigators: Lauren Docherty, Aaron Lorenz and Cory Hirsch
Summary content:
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is the most damaging pathogen of soybean and is widespread in Minnesota and most soybean-growing regions globally. SCN exhibits considerable variation in virulence (its ability to reproduce on different SCN-resistant soybean lines) as well as in morphology. This project focused on characterizing the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of SCN in Minnesota.
A total of 182 inbred SCN lines were developed from field populations collected across soybean-producing areas of Minnesota. These lines were evaluated for virulence against six SCN-resistant soybean germplasm lines: Pickett (PI 548988), Peking (PI 548402), PI 88788, PI 90763, PI 438489B, and PI 567516C (Figure 1). The percentage of SCN lines to which each soybean line was resistant (defined as FI < 10) was: 46.7% for Pickett, 76.9% for Peking, 50.5% for PI 88788, 87.4% for PI 90763, 87.4% for PI 438489B, and 77.5% for PI 567516C.
Findings:
Eight SCN races were identified among the inbred lines: race 1 (25.3%), race 2 (4.9%), race 3 (21.4%), race 4 (2.2%), race 5 (15.9%), race 6 (14.3%), race 9 (4.9%), and race 14 (11.0%). The relatively low number of SCN lines with FI < 10 on PI 88788 suggests that cultivars derived from PI 88788 may provide insufficient resistance in many Minnesota fields. Peking type of resistance is distinct to the resistance in PI 88788, and most SCN lines were avirulent to Peking-type resistance. Rotation of PI 88788-derived cultivars with Peking-derived cultivars remains a good strategy for managing SCN in Minnesota.
Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 178 of the 182 SCN lines to assess genetic diversity (Figure 2). Single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified by comparing each SCN genome to the reference and to each other, resulting in a total of 528,952 SNPs used for analysis. Population genetic analyses revealed that a few inbred lines were genetically distinct from the rest. To confirm species identity, sequences for the 18S, 28S, and ITS genes were extracted and compared with sequence data for H. glycines, white soybean cyst nematode (H. sojae), sugar beet cyst nematode (H. schachtii), and cereal cyst nematode (H. avenae) from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). All 178 lines were confirmed to be SCN.
Phenotypic and genotypic data were used to conduct a Genomewide Association Study (GWAS) to identify genomic regions, or quantitative trait loci (QTLs), associated with SCN virulence. Sixteen QTLs were identified, with only one associated with virulence to more than one soybean line. Specifically, one QTL was associated with virulence to Pickett, two to Peking, two to PI 88788, four to PI 90763, three to PI 438489B, and three to PI 567516C (Figure 3). Except for one, all QTLs were specific to a single soybean line, suggesting that these loci may control virulence to particular resistance sources. This study advances our understanding of SCN virulence diversity and genetics, providing valuable insights to help soybean breeders select effective resistance sources and evaluate SCN resistance in commercial breeding programs. The findings could support the development of molecular tests for SCN virulence, offering a cost-effective alternative to the traditional greenhouse bioassay used in HG type testing. Improved SCN management through the technologies developed in this study could lead to significant economic benefits for soybean growers by increasing yield and profitability.
results for virulence on all six resistant soybeans overlaid on each other. 16 variants (QTLs) in total were identified as being associated with virulence. Only one variant is associated with more than one soybean line. It is likely that each of these variants is tagging a different gene.
Symptoms of brown stem rot in stem and on leaves (photo from D. Malvick)
Growth room bioassay evaluating the ability of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) inbred lines to parasitize six soybean germplasm lines, each containing a distinct type of SCN resistance.
GWAS
Pod and stem blight symptoms on a soybean stem (Photo from Bruce Potter)
2024 Aphid, Plant Health, and White Mold Industry Program Yield Impact in Soybean
Organization Awarded: Next Gen Ag LLC
Principal Investigator: Jenna Whitmore, Research Manager & Andrew Lueck, Research Lead
Summary content:
Growers are trying to maximize yield while getting the best return on their investments. In a saturated market of plant health products, these data sets will help farmers to decide what is worth the investment for their operation.
Studies were conducted to demonstrate yield impact of value-added, white mold, and aphid control products.
Findings:
Value-Added Products – Results showed that the addition of a value-added product(s) may have an advantage on final yield; however, there was only one treatment that was statistically better than the untreated check (Table 1). White Mold Products – The study concluded that adding a fungicide application reduced secondary white mold infection as compared to the untreated check. However, the addition of more than one product or application timing did not appear to have a significant advantage to yield (Table 2).
Aphid Products – The study was conducted on an aphid population with a known Group 3A pyrethroid resistance with the untreated check having, on average, over 2,000 aphids per plant at the seven days after application
evaluation (Table 3).
Data were put into two tiers based on yields and counts. Tier 1 included products or mixes that were not group 3A insecticides (pyrethroids) alone and generally had better aphid control and higher yields. Tier 2 consisted of only 3A active ingredients. Both tiers were statistically better than the untreated checks for aphid counts at 3 and 7 days after application. Tier 1 products compared to the untreated check generated a yield difference between 1.0 to 14.1 bu/A with an average gain of 8.0 bu/A.
There was a strong negative correlation between the aphid population and soybean yields suggesting that 76% of the difference in yield was directly tied to the aphid infestation. This gives confidence in the data set for making decisions on aphid control.
Growers should use the data sets as a guide to visit with their crop consultants or local suppliers to determine products that provide the greatest return on investment based on local and supplier pricing and availability of products. Full publications are published on our website, www. nxtgenag.com, under the “Latest News” tab and “Public Grant Research Studies” page.
Fort. Stim. Yield Enhan. Plus + Energy Power / Stimulate Auxin/ Cytokinin+Bio-Forge Advanced+Keylate Manganese / Stimulate Auxin/Cytokinin+ Harvest More Urea Mate / Sugar Mover Premier+X-Cyte
Bio-ForgeAdvanced+Energy Power / Stimulate Auxin/Cytokinin+Bio-Forge Advanced+ Keylate Manganese / Energy Power+Stimulate Auxin/Cytokinin Sugar Mover Premier+Harvest More Urea Mate
FC 3.3 +6-26-6+Masterlock+AZterknot+VCP-035
Accomplish MAX+Riser / Terramar+Radiate+ReaxK / Radiate Next
AZteroid FC 3.3+Bifender
Levitate / Terramar+Radiate+ReaxK / Radiate Next+Nutrisync Complete 3d
Neo+Masterlock
Neo+Masterlock Miravis Neo+Masterlock
Check
/
Delaro Complete+Masterlock+Yield On
4-0-16+Masterlock
Stress / Sosdia
a Application codes refer to the information in Table 1.
b Bu/A=Soybean yield is corrected to a moisture of 13.5%. Same letters next to values are statistically similar values at alpha=0.1.
Table 1. Value-added impact on soybean yield and moisture in 2024.
8
5
4
2
1
12
14
15 Delaro Complete+NIS / Delaro Complete+NIS
16 Viatude+NIS / Viatude+NIS
17 Aproach+NIS / Aproach+NIS
a Application codes refer to the information in Table 1. b Bu/A=Soybean yield is corrected to a moisture of 13.5%. Same letters next to values are statistically similar values at alpha=0.1.
a Masterlock at 6.4 fl oz/A to all treatments unless noted otherwise.
b Application codes refer to the information in Table 1.
c Letters next to data indicate statistical significance at 90% repeatability wherein data with the same letters are similar. dBu/ A=Soybean yield in bushels per acre corrected to a standard moisture of 13.5%.
Table 3. Aphid control product impact on aphid population and soybean yield in 2024.
Determining the Current Phytophthora Sojae Population and Status of
Variety Resistance in Minnesota Using Improved Methods
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principle Investigator: Megan McCaghey
Cooperators: Kathleen K. Markham, Linnea Johnston, Jane Fenske-Newbart, Crystal Floyd, Cathy Johnson, Senyu Chen, Carol Groves, Damon Smith, Dean Malvick and Megan McCaghey
Summary content:
Over the past five growing seasons, parts of Minnesota have experienced above-average soil moisture (Fig. 1), potentially promoting the development of Phytophthora sojae, a soilborne pathogen that attacks soybeans at all growth stages. Planting resistant soybean varieties is a key management strategy. However, resistance genes (Rps) must align with the P. sojae pathotypes in the field to be effective.
In this study, Dr. Kathleen Markham aims to survey P. sojae pathotypes in Minnesota and validate a molecular diagnostic method. Results will help recommend soybean varieties with potentially effective Rps genes that are more aligned to local pathotypes, enhancing disease resistance.
We are conducting a pathotype survey using soil and plant tissue collected during the 2023–2025 growing seasons. We have received 97 samples from 21 counties (Fig. 2) and cultured 30 isolates using a McCaghey Lab-optimized baiting method. Twenty-five isolates tested positive via PCR for Phytophthora-specific, P. sojae-specific, and P. sojae avirulence (Avr) genes, confirming their identity.
Findings:
As pathotyping continues, we will provide results and variety recommendations to growers who submitted samples. Based on preliminary molecular results (Table 1), Rps3a or Rps6 varieties are predicted to be resistant to many of the new isolates, while Rps1a, Rps1c, and Rps1k are predicted to offer little resistance. Notably, Rps1a, Rps1c, and Rps1k—once common—are becoming less effective, while Rps3a, Rps6, and Rps11 may be more effective (McCoy et al., 2023).
We analyzed 2019–2023 UMN Soybean Variety Trial data to evaluate whether deployed Rps genes align with current field pathotypes. Stacked gene combinations (e.g., Rps1a + Rps3a) have increased (Fig. 3), suggesting a strategy to address complex pathotypes. However, use of Rps6 is declining, while Rps3a is increasing. Potentially ineffective genes (Rps1a, Rps1c, Rps1k) still appear frequently in trials, suggesting room for improvement in variety selection.
Our survey, combined with variety trial analysis, will guide growers toward soybean varieties that can potentially resist local P. sojae pathotypes. Outreach will include extension materials, meetings, and reports. The project aims to reduce yield loss by delivering rapid diagnostics and effective variety recommendations, while also exploring partial resistance to improve long-term management strategies.
Figure 1. Soil and tissue samples collected from various MN fields in 2023-2025. Pink asterisk represents counties from which we have soil and tissue samples. Map of MN soybean production in 2023, showing number of bushels produced per county (Source: USDA)
Table 1. Preliminary identification of 16 (of 25) P. sojae-confirmed isolates recovered from soil collected around MN in 2023-2025. There are 6 unique pathotypes across 5 counties thus far.
GRW001-4.5
1c, 1d, 1k Norman Rps3a or Rps6
GRW001-5.1 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1k Norman Rps3a or Rps6
GRW001-7.4 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1k, 6 Norman Rps3a
GRW009-1-LJ 1a, 1c, 1d, 1k Redwood Rps3a or Rps6
GRW016-2.4 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1k,
Figure 2. Frequency of Rps genes in the UMN Soybean Crop Variety Trials in years 2019-2023.
Exploring New Avenues of Sclerotinia Rot Disease Management Through Soybean Canopy Architecture Traits
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principle Investigator: Megan McCaghey
Cooperators: Kathleen K. Markham, Linnea Johnston, Jane Fenske-Newbart, Crystal Floyd, Cathy Johnson, Senyu Chen, Carol Groves, Damon Smith, Dean Malvick and Megan McCaghey
Summary Context:
Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, ranks among the most damaging diseases in U.S. soybean production, responsible for losses exceeding 200 million bushels between 2015 and 2019. In Minnesota alone, losses were valued at more than $330 million. The pathogen has a broad host range and produces long lived sclerotia making managing the disease particularly challenging. Fungicides can provide control, but their effectiveness is limited by timing, cost, and environmental conditions. While partial genetic resistance has been identified, the role of soybean shoot architecture, upright versus bushy growth habits, in shaping the microclimate and influencing SSR development remains poorly understood. Shoot architecture is a key determinant of the canopy microclimate, which in turn is critical for pathogen establishment and disease progression. Thus, studying architectural effects on SSR could provide new opportunities in developing effective management and breeding strategies.
To investigate the role of architecture in SSR development, we are comparing the commercial soybean varieties broadly categorized as “upright” or “bushy.” Field trials were established in randomized complete block designs with replicated plots. Architectural traits such as canopy coverage, branch angle, petiole slope and leaf shape were quantified using imaging and high throughput drone based methods. Sclerotia were introduced into the field, and an irrigation system was employed to promote disease. SSR severity was scored on a standardized 0–3 scale, while sclerotia depots were deployed to monitor germination and apothecia production under different canopy types. Additional trials were also employed to compare fungicide efficacy across architectures. Finally, a legacy panel of soybean lines
(1940s–2000s) was screened to assess whether changes in shoot architecture associated with soybean breeding have also been accompanied by changes in SSR resistance.
Findings:
Preliminary results indicate that soybean architecture strongly influences SSR severity. Bushy canopies supported higher disease severity indices and reduced UVB light penetration relative to upright canopies, even when genetic resistance was not a differentiating factor. Differences in canopy closure appear to alter microclimatic conditions favorable for apothecia formation and subsequent infection. Data from the legacy panel have been collected and are currently being analyzed to determine whether selection for yield over breeding eras has also influenced SSR resistance.
This work provides evidence that soybean architecture is a critical, understudied factor in SSR disease development. By identifying how canopy structure influences microclimate and pathogen dynamics, the project advances the possibility of selecting or breeding for architectures that promote “disease escape.” Results will also inform integrated management by examining the relative value of fungicide applications in different canopy types. For growers, this research has both immediate and long-term benefits: identifying varieties that are more tolerant to SSR in the field and guiding breeding programs toward traits that combine yield potential with resilience to disease. Beyond practical outcomes, this project, led by researcher Dr. Suma Sreekanta and MSc. Student Alisha Mildenberger, also contributes to student training, collaborative research networks, and foundational knowledge to support future genetic studies of SSR resistance.
Cold Hardiness of Soybean Gall Midge: Foundations for Pest Forecasting and Cultural Control
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota Principal Investigator: Robert Koch
Summary content:
The soybean gall midge is a new destructive pest of soybean. Because this pest is so new, very little is known about its biology and management. Cold winter temperatures are an important factor limiting the geographic range and population sizes of insects in temperate regions like Minnesota. Two standard indices of cold hardiness were measured from the overwintering stage (cocooned larvae) held at the different acclimation conditions.
First, the supercooling point, which is the temperature at which the insect begins to freeze, was measured. Overall, 87% of cocooned larvae began to freeze at temperatures colder than -20°C, and 58% began to freeze between -20 and -25°C. Mean supercooling points ranged from -24.3 to -21.9°C across acclimation conditions. Second, lower lethal temperature, which is the temperature at which the insect actually dies from cold exposure (short duration exposure to cold) was measured. Overall, cocooned larvae showed low mortality (~4.9%) with exposure to -10 to -20°C, followed by a rapid increase in mortality between -20°C and -25°C. No individuals across any set of acclimation conditions survived exposure to -30°C.
Overall, these measures of supercooling points and lower
lethal temperature suggested that soybean gall midge is extremely resistant to short-term exposures to cold temperatures, as soil temperatures at Lamberton, Morris or Fargo rarely if ever reach these critical temperatures. An additional measure of cold hardiness called lethal time was also examined to quantify the effects of different durations of time on the mortality of cocooned larvae. Cocooned larvae maintained at 3°C experienced little mortality over 2 weeks; however, those maintained at -3 or -10°C experienced nearly complete mortality within 1 week. These results suggested that cocooned larvae are not as resistant to cold indicated by the initial experiments. Additional data on the lethal time for this pest will be collected for the modeling of how the pest’s mortality can be affected by cold temperatures and allow predictions of pest potential based on winter temperatures.
By acquiring an understanding of the cold hardiness of soybean gall midge, actionable models will be developed to predict the potential geographic range of the pest and levels of survival of the pest from one year to the next. Furthermore, this information will guide development of recommendations for cultural tactics (e.g., tillage, residue management, etc.) that could increase winter mortality of soybean gall midge and result in decreased pest populations.
In 2025, soybean gall midge was detected for the first time in southeast Minnesota.
Evaluating Control Methods for a New Leaf-Mining
Pest of Soybean in Minnesota
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigator: Robert Koch
Summary content:
The soybean tentiform leafminer (STL) has emerged as a new pest of soybean. This research was aimed at providing a foundation for development of an integrated pest management program for this pest. Two important management tactics were examined.
To evaluate chemical control, a field insecticide efficacy experiment was performed in an infested soybean field on a farm near Henderson, MN. Endigo and AgriMek, which have translaminar properties and showed promise for control of this pest the previous year, were further evaluated in this study. Overall infestation levels from this pest were low, which resulted in less than 3% of leaf area mined. More leaf area was mined in the lower canopy compared to upper canopy; but there were no differences in leaf area mined among the insecticide treatments or untreated. However, data from the previous year and complementary laboratory and greenhouse studies showed the potential for translaminar insecticides (e.g., Endigo) to control this pest.
To evaluate biological control, field sampling was performed
over the season at two locations in Minnesota with a goal of characterizing the community of parasitic wasps attacking STL and the magnitude of their impact on this pest in soybean fields and corresponding nearby wooded areas containing hogpeanut. Plant samples from soybean and hogpeanut were brought to the laboratory to quantify the level of STL infestation and to rear insects (adult STL and parasitic wasps). Nearly 20 species of parasitic wasps have been found to attack this pest. These data are being analyzed and summarized to compare the communities of parasitic wasps and their resulting levels of parasitism between soybean and hogpeanut and across the state.
Being such a new pest, little is known about the biology and management of STL. This research provides farmers guidance for protecting their soybean crops from this pest through the use of insecticides. In addition, this project establishes foundational knowledge on biological control of STL, which will facilitate the development of more sustainable integrated pest management programs.
A Soybean Crop Model Calibrated and Validated for Minnesota Field Conditions
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota Principal Investigators: Seth Naeve & Anibal Cerrudo
Summary content:
The goal of this project was to develop a tool capable of predicting soybean yield based on specific management practices – planting date, plant population, and row spacing – while accounting for soil characteristics, genotype and weather conditions across Minnesota.
Findings:
We collected data from experiments conducted in Waseca, Le Sueur, St. Paul, Grand Rapids, and Crookston, during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. These experiments covered a broad range of environmental conditions and MG’s ranging from 0.05 to 2.5, resulting in soybean yields ranging from less than 25 to more than 100 bushels per acre.
After calibration, the model predicted the timing of flowering (R1) and physiological maturity (R7) with high accuracy. The mean absolute error was less than four days for R1 and less than five days for R7, indicating a strong model performance in capturing crop development across a wide range of locations, planting dates, genotypes and water regimes.
Yield prediction was also quite accurate, with a mean absolute error just below 7 bushels per acre – a strong result given the yield range explored in the dataset (Figure 1). There was good agreement between observed and predicted values in a wide range of varieties and conditions. This level of accuracy indicates that the model can serve as a valuable decision-support tool for evaluating management impacts across diverse environments.
This tool would enable us to begin answering key questions such as: What is the potential and attainable yield for a specific location? or, How the planting date interacts with MG for a specific location? (See example for Crookston in Figure 2). In addition to estimating average outcomes, the model can also assess variability over time and estimate the probability of achieving a given yield level across years.
This project successfully calibrated and validated a soybean crop model useful to Minnesota’s diverse growing environments and management. By integrating detailed soil, weather, management, and genetic data into the DSSAT-CROPGRO simulation model, we are generating a reliable decision-support tool capable of simulating yield outcomes with relatively high and useful accuracy. In this way the calibrated model’s ability to predict phenology and yield across years and locations – while accounting for interactions between management and environmental condition – makes it a valuable resource for guiding agronomic decisions, supporting research, and informing policy discussions around soybean production. Importantly, this tool is not static. As more high-quality field data continue to be generated across Minnesota through research trials and collaborations with farmers, the model can be further refined, improved and expanded. This ongoing feedback loop of calibration and validation will help enhance its accuracy and applicability, supporting increasingly precise and site-specific recommendations over time.
Figure 1: Simulated vs Observed yield for soybean growing in different locations, years, planting dates, water management conditions and cultivars differing in (MR). The dashed line is the 1:1 line. RMSE: root means square error. MAE: Mean absolute error. n=146
Figure 1
Figure 2
Soybean Extension for a Modern World: Connecting With More Minnesota Farmers
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigators: Seth Naeve & David Nicolai
Summary content:
New technologies, larger farms, rising input costs and cultural shift – especially post-COVID – have challenged traditional methods of engaging with farmers. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and UMN Extension have adapted rapidly. While some “temporary” pandemic-era channels remain popular, others prefer a return to in-person meetings. The landscape of agricultural communication has changed, and expectations for how farmers receive information have evolved.
This project had two components: (1) a survey of agricultural professionals to gauge what information soybean farmers want and how they prefer to receive it, and (2) investment in new communication technologies to improve outreach.
We developed and deployed a survey to assess farmers’ educational needs and communication preferences. The survey asked about internet access, technologies used, preferred platforms, and opinions on AI, video, podcasts, and webinars. We also asked about preferences for inperson meetings, including timing, location, and duration. Agricultural professionals were also surveyed about their communication habits and their clients’ preferences.
This project also supported the creation of a MSR&PC/UMN webcasting and podcasting studio for enhanced distance
education. Equipment for recording high-quality, field-based videos was also purchased.
Findings:
The survey was released in mid-April 2025, but early fieldwork reduced initial responses. We plan to re-promote it in midsummer. A full summary of results will be shared with MSR&PC in fall 2025.
The new webcasting/podcasting studio has been a valuable addition. It is now regularly used for live and recorded webinars. We’re also experimenting with dual-camera and green screen setups for more engaging video lectures. Naeve and Nicolai launched the podcast “Minnesota Crop Cast” as a direct outcome of this investment. They have released 50 episodes with nearly 6,000 downloads. About 57% of listeners are from Minnesota, with others tuning in from nearly all 50 states and several countries.
The need for unbiased, research-based information for farmers is greater than ever. With checkoff support from MSR&PC, the University of Minnesota continues to deliver essential insights to soybean producers across the state. This project enhances our ability to reach more farmers and support them in producing high-quality soybeans and sustaining their operations for future generations.
STATUS QUO
Are you ready to accept the challenge to be a better-thanaverage soybean farmer?
“ That was a question posed during a soybean meeting I attended. The speaker said farmers who can improve their productivity by at least five percent over average are farmers who will succeed.
While there may be many ways to improve our production plan, one of the first that came to my mind is one we already invest in: the Soybean Research & Information Network (SRIN).
Research is one the primary buckets funded through state and national soybean checkoff dollars. As a checkoff organization representative, I often get asked how our checkoff money is spent and whether it generates return on investment. Unequivocally, I know SRIN is worth every dime. ”
SRIN is a website that was created to share with farmers results from research that is housed in the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database for every state. SRIN representatives read through the research reports and boil down the information for farmers to understand and easily implement on their operations. The site highlights state soybean research programs, profiles key soybean researchers, hosts a YouTube channel of educational videos and farmer perspectives on production challenges, as well as shares diagnostic tools, agronomic tips and pest control recommendations by state and region. Content is constantly added to keep the site fresh and relevant and is supplemented by a timely social media presence and monthly e-newsletter.
Cole Trebesch, farmer from Springfield, Minnesota
Extension Agronimist Seth Naeve (front left) is a longtime collaborator with MSR&PC.
Intensification Frontiers: A Second-Round Study on Cover Crops and Double-Cropping in Minnesota-Real Fields
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigators: Seth Naeve & Anibal Cerrudo
Summary content:
The goals of this project were to assess productivity of soybeans in sole crop, cover crop and double cropping systems in real farms and under real management and real weather conditions, and to identify and quantify local bottlenecks for cover crop and double crop implementation at the field scale.
On-farm experiments:
In 2024, we installed two on-farm experiments into contrasting environments on a farm near Le Sueur, Minnesota. At each experiment, we planted soybeans following a rye cover crop in four planting dates. Planting dates were in accordance with soybean sole crop, soybean after a cover crop, soybean after a winter barley crop and soybean after a winter wheat crop.
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Findings:
The experiments explored environments with different productivity associated with soils. The conventional system attained 82 bpa in the experiment in the lower position of the landscape, and 75 bpa in the higher drought prone landscape position (Figure 1). Cover crops and the simulated double cropping after winter barley or winter wheat imposed severe penalties on soybean yield. The yield penalty increased as the planting date of soybean in the system was delayed.
Our on-farm experiments revealed significant trade-offs between alternative soybean systems and the conventional sole-crop approach in a relatively favorable 2024 season. While the conventional system consistently produced high yields (75–82 bpa), both the cover crop and double-cropping systems imposed yield penalties, primarily due to delayed planting and shortened crop cycles rather than water limitations. Double cropping with winter barley further reduced soybean yields by 11–13 bpa but offered a potential system-level economic
advantage due to the added barley yield and associated ecosystem benefits. In contrast, the winter wheat–soybean system showed the largest yield penalties, especially in droughtprone landscapes, with delayed maturity, which also can increase frost risk and instability. A key but not surprising finding seems to be the significant and consistent negative impact of planting delays on soybean yields, with losses exceeding 1 bpa per day. This highlights the critical role of the winter cereal cycle, particularly the timing of its harvest. A few days of variation in planting dates can determine whether double-cropping will result in a benefit or a penalty for a grower. Future studies should precisely assess and quantify how small shifts in soybean planting dates, driven by variability in winter cereal cycles, management practices, or harvesting cereals for silage, impact soybean yield and yield stability and profits of the entire system. Overall, our findings suggest that while diversified systems can offer soil and weed management benefits, their economic viability could be highly sensitive to planting dates, variety selection, and site-specific water dynamics.
On-Farm Attainable Yield and the Role of Fertilizer and Fungicide Management
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigators: Seth Naeve & Anibal Cerrudo
Summary content:
This project established a multi-site experiment that helped assess attainable yield, attainable water productivity, as well as failures in nutrient and disease management for different representative environments across Minnesota. This information had not been previously available and provided further insight on location-specific management.
The questions we aimed to answer were: What was our attainable yield? Was there a yield gap that could be filled by soybean management? Could we identify the causes? The goal of the project was to benchmark attainable yield and to identify key management practices explaining the gap between farmers’ actual yield and the attainable yield as determined by climate, soil, and genetics across different environments in Minnesota.
The network consisted of 10 field experiments conducted in environments with contrasting soil and climatic characteristics. All the experiments were carried out under rainfed conditions. The trials were set up in farm fields planted by the farmers according to their usual management practices. Variety, planting date, plant density, and row spacing were chosen by the farmer. At each site, the farmer-adopted fertility and disease management programs were compared against a full nutrition treatment and against a full nutrition plus fungicide treatment.
Treatment factors are presented in the table below:
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Findings:
Soybean grain yield registered for the different treatments at each field during the 2024 season is presented in Figure 1. In general, we found no effect of any intensification treatment, except in Hector, where yield increased by 15% compared to the farmer management under the Nutrition and Full (Nutrition + Fungicide) treatments. Therefore, under the assessed climatic conditions, almost all the fields produced very close to the attainable yield.
To increase profitably and sustainability of Minnesota soybean farmers during challenging times, it is important to begin by estimating the attainable yield across state and then compare it with the actual yield that farmers logged in their yield monitors. Is there room for intensification? We assessed attainable yield data from the 20 fields evaluated during the last two seasons. Overall, the yield under farmer management did not differ from the estimated attainable yield (no significant yield gap). This could indicate that the farmer’s objective yield might be set above the maximum attainable yield and that the focus should instead be on saving inputs while maintaining yield, thereby increasing profits.
Well-calibrated crop simulation models, coupled with high-quality weather, soil, and crop management data, could be used to upscale this analysis on attainable yield to major producing areas that share similar weather and soil characteristics. This framework would have allowed us to map a benchmark to evaluate the level of intensification in our farms – supporting decisions on reducing, maintaining, or increasing the amounts of inputs in different fields.
Figure 1: Soybean on-farm attainable yield for different locations throughout the state of Minnesota during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons.
Carbon Credits in Minnesota: Evaluating the Dual Impact of Agricultural Management Practices on Carbon Sequestration
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota Principal Investigators: Seth Naeve & Anibal Cerrudo
Summary content:
Carbon farming refers to changes in farm practices that increase carbon sequestration, offering farmers potential payments through carbon credits. While carbon credit policies remain uncertain, this approach could provide added income for farmers while encouraging sustainable practices. Minnesota’s low adoption of cover crops and reduced tillage means the potential for change is significant. Key questions include: 1) How much carbon can be sequestered using no-till and cover crops in Minnesota? and 2) How do these practices impact crop yields?
Given the evolving and complex carbon sequestration and Carbon Intensity (CI) score markets, farmers face challenges in evaluating contract options. This project also supports UMN Extension education to help farmers navigate carbon and CI monetization.
Field trials were conducted at a long-term site near Wells, MN, where drainage regimes (established in 2012) and three tillage treatments (conventional, strip-till, and no-till, added in 2017) are evaluated. The site’s eight blocks – half drained, half undrained – create 16 unique treatment combinations to assess the cumulative effects on soybean yield and soil properties over eight seasons.
Soils were analyzed for carbon and health indicators to assess how tillage and drainage influence soil physical and chemical traits.
Additionally, we began building an Extension program focused on carbon and CI contracts. While changing federal guidelines (e.g., 45Z regulations) have slowed the process,
we are building materials and working with experts to clarify opportunities for Minnesota producers.
Findings:
Drainage and tillage had strong effects in 2024 due to rainfall patterns. Drained soybean plots averaged 65 bu/ acre; undrained, 51. Conventional tillage averaged 66 bu/ acre; strip-till, 58; no-till, 50. Soybeans after baled corn stalks yielded 61 bu/acre versus 56 with retained stalks. Additional composition and corn yield data are in the full report.
Soil health data included pH, organic matter, nutrients, and advanced carbon indicators. While most measures weren’t significantly affected, pH, WAS, Min_C, and WEO_C were influenced by tillage, drainage, or rotation.
On the education side, CI scores for real-world Minnesota cropping systems were developed with help from Cates and EOR. Policy uncertainty complicated finalizing outreach materials. However, farmer interest remains strong, as shown during discussions at the Soil Management Summit. Next steps include applying a public GREET modeling tool to estimate CI under various management scenarios. These will be presented at the Sept. 9, 2025, field day in Wells.
This long-term research site offers valuable insights into how tillage, drainage, and residue management affect yield, soil health, and profitability. While some soil metrics remain stable, 2024 results reinforce the importance of drainage and tillage. As interest in carbon markets grows, this research provides essential science-based guidance to help Minnesota farmers increase profits while supporting environmental goals.
Raising the Ceiling for Minnesota Soybean Yields By Boosting Tolerance to Atmospheric Drought
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigator: Walid Sadok
Summary content:
Research importance: Atmoshperic drought is one of the most important environmental factors that limit soybean yields in the U.S.. While this effect is strong and quantifiable, surprisingly however, it is rarely considered in breeding and management, mainly because this stress rarely generates visual symptoms. In Minnesota, atmospheric drought typically increases more than 600% daily during the growing season, representing a regular source of stress. We have recently discovered that atmospheric drought impacts nitrogen fixation in soybean, which is the process by which they take up ‘free’ nitrogen from the atmosphere to be later invested in making seed protein. Even more importantly, we have preliminary evidence showing that some genotypes may actually ‘boost’ their nitrogen fixation in response to this stressor.
A first goal of this project was to screen a set of 24 highly diverse breeding lines to look for this trait. This is to identify superior genotypes to be used as donor parents in the U of M soybean breeding program and identify superior commercial varieties to be recommended to farmers. To this end, our lab developed a technology that measures non-invasively nitrogen fixation in response to atmospheric drought, by tracking hydrogen production by roots, under various conditions, even the field (see Figure 1). A second goal was
Figure 1. Illustration of the system developed by our team to measure directly and non-destructively biological nitrogen fixation in whole root system. Description of panel (A): The components of the system are as follows: 1, laptop for recording the data; 2, the H2 sensing system; 3, open root chamber planted directly in the soil (PVC tube, rubber gasket and connector to the pump hose); 4, the growth pouch set-up (pouch, rubber gasket and inlet and outlet tubes). Panel B is a close-up of the system when tested successfully in the field.
to predict state-wide yield gain gradients and therefore profitability for Minnesota farmers resulting from such a trait.
Findings:
We discovered that some promising genotypes do indeed increase their nitrogen fixation in response to atmospheric drought, rather than decreasing it. We found that this sensitivity is dependent on the growth stage, that is, some genotypes express it across the entire growing season while others do not. We also discovered that while commercial varieties do not express this favorable trait, it exists in breeding lines and undomesticated landraces. Our modeling efforts indicate significant yield gains for the Minnesota farmer if this trait is successfully introduced in varieties released to farmers. The yield increases are expected to be highest in regions that experience the highest levels of atmospheric drought, as shown on Figure 2.
Benefits for Minnesota farmers: We conclude that there is a promising and untapped opportunity to further increase soybean yields in response to drought and therefore increase soybean farm profitability in Minnesota. Soybean breeding programs would greatly benefit from actively breeding for this trait as a new tool for developing more drought-tolerant and therefore, better yielding varieties to Minnesota farmers.
Figure 2. Heat map of potential Minnesota soybean yield gain gradients that would be expected if increased nitrogen fixation in response to atmospheric drought is introduced in cultivars released to farmers.
Breaking the Cycle: Beating Giant Ragweed with More Than a Jug
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota Principal Investigators: Dr. Debalin Sarangi (Extension Weed Scientist) & Datta Chiruvelli (Graduate Student in Weed Science)
Summary content: Research Importance: Giant ragweed is one of the most problematic weeds in Minnesota. Its rapid growth, early emergence, and resistance to commonly used herbicides such as glyphosate and ALS inhibitors (Classic, Pursuit, FirstRate) make control efforts more challenging. If not managed early in the growing season, it can severely reduce soybean yields and increase production costs. This research aimed to evaluate integrated weed management programs by combining cultural and chemical management tools to control giant ragweed in soybean fields.
A field experiment was conducted at the UMN’s Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (RROC) during the 2024 growing season. Treatments included pre-plant weed management methods, such as cereal rye cover crop terminated at planting, cover crop terminated 7 days after planting, reduced tillage, conventional tillage, no-tillage with burndown herbicide application, and a nontreated check, along with three herbicide programs (nontreated check, postemergence-only, and preemergence followed by postemergence).
Findings:
For giant ragweed control, cover crop treatments provided the highest level of suppression, comparable to no-tillage systems with burndown herbicide applications when both preemergence and postemergence treatments were used. These integrated approaches also produced the highest soybean yields, underscoring the advantages of combining multiple tactics rather than relying solely on herbicides.
For Minnesota farmers, integrated approaches—such as incorporating cover crops and no-tillage systems with burndown herbicide applications—provided the most effective giant ragweed control, especially when combined with both preemergence and postemergence herbicide treatments. These strategies also resulted in the highest soybean yields, demonstrating that diversifying weed management practices can improve profitability, reduce long-term herbicide reliance, and support more sustainable crop production in the region.
Pictures: Comparison of giant ragweed control in (A) cover crop, (B) no-tillage with burndown herbicide treatment and (C) nontreated check.
Glufosinate Resistance in Waterhemp: A Growing Concern
Summary content:
Waterhemp is the most troublesome weed for soybean farmers in Minnesota, capable of reducing yields by up to 70%. Controlling it is difficult because many waterhemp populations have become resistant to multiple herbicides. Farmers often rely on glufosinate to manage resistant waterhemp, but there are growing concerns about its longterm effectiveness—one farmer in Dodge County reported that it stopped working after several years of use. To address this, researchers at the University of Minnesota are studying how resistant waterhemp survives glufosinate and what causes this resistance. Understanding these factors will help develop better strategies to control waterhemp and protect this herbicide option for the soybean farmers.
At the University of Minnesota, researchers are investigating a waterhemp population from Dodge County, MN, suspected to be resistant to glufosinate. In greenhouse experiments, young plants were treated with different doses of glufosinate to determine how much is needed to damage or kill them. To see if this population is also resistant to other herbicides, the plants were tested with several commonly used herbicides. Researchers are additionally studying how these plants
survive glufosinate applications. These studies aim to reveal how resistance develops and are expected to be completed by fall 2025.
Findings:
We found that the waterhemp suspected to be resistant needs about 3 times more glufosinate than the sensitive populations for effective control. When treated with 32 fl oz/A of Liberty 280 SL, more than half of the plants in this population survived. We also found that more than 80% plants in this population survived when treated with three times the field dose of other commonly used herbicides like atrazine, imazamox, and glyphosate.
These findings alert Minnesota farmers to the growing risk of herbicide-resistant waterhemp and emphasize the importance of proactive, integrated weed management. By understanding that some populations can survive standard herbicide rates—even multiple products—farmers can adjust strategies, such as rotating herbicides, using multiple modes of action, and incorporating cultural practices like cover crops or narrow row spacing, to protect yields and reduce the spread of resistant weeds.
Soybean Canopy Management for Herbicide-Resistant Weed Control
Organization Awarded: University of Minnesota Principal Investigators: Debalin Sarangi (Extension Weed Scientist) & Sithin Mathew (Weed Science Graduate Student)
Summary content:
The spread of herbicide-resistant weeds is a major concern in soybean production. Enhancing early canopy development in soybeans can be a valuable cultural strategy to suppress weeds by reducing the light available for their growth. This research aimed to evaluate how row spacing, planting date, soybean variety, and herbicide programs influence canopy formation, weed suppression, and yield performance.
Two field experiments were conducted in 2023 and 2024 at the University of Minnesota’s Rosemount Research and Outreach Center. The first study evaluated how two row spacings (15-inch and 30-inch) and combinations of layered residual herbicides, such as acetochlor (Warrant®), pyroxasulfone (Zidua®), and S-metolachlor (Dual II Magnum®) tank-mixed with common postemergence herbicides like Roundup PowerMax®, Liberty®, and Cobra, influence canopy development and soybean yield. The second study examined the effect of planting date (early, mid, and late May) and soybean variety (short-bushy vs. tall-slender types) on canopy closure, weed suppression, and yield. Digital canopy imaging tools and plant volume measurements were used to assess growth, and yield data were collected at maturity.
Findings:
Layered residual herbicides, particularly the encapsulated formulation of acetochlor (Warrant), reduced canopy cover by 10% compared to the treatments without residual herbicides. The same treatment also reduced the yield up to 3.1 bu/a compared to no residual herbicides. Among the foliar-applied herbicides, Cobra caused yield reduction up to 3.6 bu/a. Narrow row spacing resulted in faster canopy closure.
In the planting date trial, early planted soybeans consistently developed canopy faster and produced higher yields, compared to mid and late planting. Although bushy varieties had wider canopy widths, they did not show significant advantages in canopy cover or weed suppression compared to slender types.
These findings help Minnesota farmers optimize soybean production by highlighting trade-offs between herbicide use and canopy development. While layered residual herbicides can reduce yield slightly, practices like early planting and narrow row spacing promote faster canopy closure and higher yields, offering effective, cultural weed suppression. Adopting these strategies as part of an integrated weed management approach is especially important for managing herbicideresistant weeds.
susceptible (negative) controls, whereas resistant indicates putative-resistant population.
Figure 2: Visual waterhemp control in response to 32 fl oz/A of Liberty 280 SL at 28 days after application. Susceptible 1 and 2 indicates the known
Figure 1. Graduate student Navjot Singh (on the left) and Extension Weed Scientist Debalin Sarangi (on the right) are investigating a soybean field in southern Minnesota with waterhemp control failure from postemergence herbicide application.
Organization awarded: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Principal Investigators: Debalin Sarangi (Extension Weed Scientist) & Navjot Singh (Weed Science Graduate Student)
Figure 1. Effect of soybean variety on the canopy closure at 90 days after planting.
Figure 2. Graduate student Sithin Mathew (on the left) and Extension Weed Scientist Debalin Sarangi (on the right) are demonstrating the research trial at the Weed Management Field Day at Rosemount Research and Outreach Center.
2025 POD PROJECTS 2025 Checkoff
A look at checkoff investments in production and agronomic research
Research drives progress. Progress drives farmer profitability.
With one-third of research projects focused on future problems, the checkoff digs deep to uncover answers today for questions that’ll be asked tomorrow. mnsoybean.org
That’s why the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) wisely invests checkoff dollars in research projects that bring on-farm value to Minnesota soybean growers. CHECKOFF-FUNDED PROJECT
OVERVIEW
In 2025, the Council funded 20 projects in three topic areas:
of
COMMON PEST ISSUES
Farmers grapple with pests throughout the growing season. Here are just a few of the funded projects that tackle common pest issues:
Determining the best management practices for soybean cyst nematode in MN
Managing herbicide-resistant
Enhancing management of soybean stem diseases in MN
SOYBEAN BREEDING & GENETICS
Sometimes, the best pest defense is variety selection. The checkoff invests in soybean breeding and genetic projects, such as:
Improving and understanding soybean traits with new biotechnology
For
Investigating the genetics of soybean cyst nematode virulence and morphometric traits
Agriculture’s realm extends beyond pests and genetics. Checkoff-funded projects reflect a wide range of subjects, including:
Two-year to single-year fertilizer applications are compared on secondround study in cornsoybean rotation
Nutrient management for profitable soybean production
Assessing agriculture practices’ impact on carbon sequestration and yield
See back for full list of research projects
2025 Checkoff Production Research Projects
Researcher Email Topic/Project title
Aaron Lorenz lore0149@umn.edu The University of Minnesota Soybean Research Center
Aaron Lorenz lore0149@umn.edu
Advancing Varietal Resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode in Minnesota
Aaron Lorenz lore0149@umn.edu Soybean Breeding and Genetics
Adam Alford adam.alford@smsu.edu
The Impact of Row Spacing on Season Long Metrics of Soybean Crop Health: A “Hands-On” Learning Plot
Angie Peltier apeltier@umn.edu 2025 On-farm IDC & SCN Test Plots & Field Day
Angie Peltier apeltier@umn.edu 2025 Western Minnesota Soybean IPM Survey
Daniel Kaiser dekaiser@umn.edu Nutrient Management for Profitable Soybean Production
Dean Malvick dmalvick@umn.edu Developing Answers for Managing Soybean Root and Stem Diseases
Debalin Sarangi dsarangi@umn.edu
Delving Deep: Evaluating Soil Moisture Dynamics, Evapotranspiration, and Yield in Response to Cover Crop Termination Timing and Herbicide Strategies in Soybean
Debalin Sarangi dsarangi@umn.edu Herbicide Options for Waterhemp Control in Soybeans After First Failed Application of Glufosinate
Fariba Heydari heyda035@umn.edu
Assessing the Efficacy of Seed Treatment Nematicides for Management of SCN and SDS and Impacts on Soybean Yield
Jenna Whitmore jenna.whitmore@nxtgenag.com 2025 Adjuvant Tank Mix Impact on 2,4-D, Lactofen, and Glufosinate Efficacy on Waterhemp and Giant Ragweed in Soybean
Megan McCaghey mmccaghe@umn.edu
Megan McCaghey mmccaghe@umn.edu
Robert Koch koch0125@umn.edu
Developing Resistance Management Guidelines and Evaluating Quantitative Resistance to Phytophthora sojae in Minnesota (Year 3 of 3)
Multifaceted Approaches in Understanding Sclerotinia Stem Rot Disease Avoidance and Resistance (Year 4 of 4)
Advancing Integrated Pest Management for Soybean Gall Midge and Soybean Aphid
Robert Stupar stup0004@umn.edu New Biotechnology to Improve and Understand Soybean Traits
Senyu Chen chenx099@umn.edu
Seth Naeve naeve002@umn.edu
Seth Naeve naeve002@umn.edu
Soybean Cyst Nematode Virulence Genetics, SNP Chip Development, and Survey of Field Populations
Increasing Returns with Reduced Risk: Selecting Soybean Cultivars for Drought-Prone Fields
Carbon Credits in Minnesota: Evaluating the Dual Impact of Agricultural Management Practices on Carbon Sequestration and Crop Yield (Year 2)
Shane Frederick sfrederick@agmgmtsolutions.com SSGA Agronomy Program
For questions on specific projects, contact Sergio Cabello Leiva at scabelloleiva@agmgmtsolutions.com