Phytophthora is one of the most common and damaging pathogens in soybeans, especially in the Dakotas and Minnesota where heavy, wet soils provide favorable conditions for disease development. This root rot can kill seeds and seedlings, reduce plant stands, and significantly reduce yields, according to the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Ten new NK® soybean varieties are available in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota for the 2015 season. They feature built-in tolerance to yield-robbing diseases, such as Phytophthora root rot and sudden death syndrome (SDS), as well as soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

 

“When looking at soybean production, growers need to assess the greatest factors limiting their yield,” said Doug Tigges, soybean genetics product manager at Syngenta. “So for growers facing problems with Phytophthora, selecting a variety with genetic resistance along with a good field tolerance will improve their ability to protect yield and maximize their crops’ full genetic potential. The key is to select varieties for their offensive traits, like high yield, and balance it with solid defensive traits applicable to problems in their fields, whether it is Phytophthora, SCN, white mold, iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) or any other yield-limiting factor.”

 

Developed using the Syngenta Yield Engineering System (Y.E.S.), NK soybeans offer high-yielding varieties that integrate elite genetics and industry-leading traits. Y.E.S. enables a faster breeding cycle and accelerated genetic gain, giving growers faster access to the newest varieties. The lineup of high-performing NK varieties is tailored to specific growing environments, including those that are affected by Phytophthora.

 

“We test and breed our soybeans in this area, so we know they are well-suited for these environments,” Tigges said. “We are constantly evaluating the newest and best genetics for their ability to grow in the region’s unique conditions. The result is a strong portfolio of NK soybeans with the right agronomic traits growers desire.”

 

The addition of these 10 NK soybean varieties expands the current offering in the region. The lineup includes a range of maturity groups, from 00 for the northern parts of the region through group 2 for the southern areas of Minnesota and South Dakota. Phytophthora root rot genetic resistance and field tolerance are available across all maturity groups.

 

Growers can speak with their local NK retailer or Syngenta Seed Advisor to learn which varieties are best-suited for their fields, so they can grow more soybeans in 2015.  

Syngenta celebrates 45 years of NK soybean milestones. To learn more about NK soybean varieties, visit www.NKSoybeans.com. Join the social media conversation – connect with us at social.SyngentaUS.com and use the hashtags #NKmilestones and #NK45 to share your personal milestones.