Seed Selection Sets Up First Line of Disease Defense
Hot and humid conditions created the perfect storm for disease development for many farmers this season. From Goss’s wilt, southern rust and tar spot in corn to white mold and sudden death syndrome (SDS) in soybeans, Dustin Voss, retail sales agronomist for Brevant seeds, says the disease pressure this season was the most intense it had been in years.
“In my area and other regions of the Corn Belt, ample rainfall and greenhouse-like conditions through the summer made for historical disease pressure,” Voss says. “Despite the challenges in 2025, farmers who used fungicides or other crop protection solutions were rewarded for management come harvest.”
Voss also says genetics helped farmers defeat seasonal stressors.
“We’re seeing yield that is 20 to 50 bushels above actual production history,” Voss says. “The new technologies out there have yield ability that far exceeds previous generations with the agronomics to support it.”
A successful year is measured by more than just yield. Overcoming in-season hurdles like disease is also a big win. For those who faced heavy disease pressure this season, keep these tips in mind to manage potential issues in 2026:
- Select seed with a strong agronomic package. To stay ahead of disease, farmers should work with their retailers to place the best-fitting traits to meet their unique needs.
- Research the latest technology. Brevant® brand Enlist E3® soybeans helped preserve yield potential and crop health, Voss adds, with improved agronomics and disease tolerance particular to SDS. On corn acres, Brevant brand Vorceed® Enlist® corn has proven to be a standout product that demonstrates top-end yield potential and genetic gain.
- Have early conversations about crop protection. As disease ramps up, farmers may need more than one fungicide application to combat heavy pressure. They can rely on their support team to make the best in-season management decisions for their operation.
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