When it comes to the soybean disease and pest control puzzle, Bayer CropScience has all the pieces growers need.

The Trilex 6000 Soybean System includes: Yield Shield biological fungicide in addition to two fungicides, an insecticide, a proprietary seed coating and a colorant.

“With Trilex 6000, growers have a soybean system that gives them a solid ‘punch’ against disease and insect infestation,” said Jennifer Riggs, Bayer CropScience product development manager. “By combining strengths from fungicides and insecticides, Bayer CropScience is helping soybean growers protect their plants and enjoy high yield potential.”

Specifically, components of the Trilex 6000 system combine to offer insect and disease protection along with a plant health advantage and the distinctive “Living Fungicide” component, Yield Shield.

“In today's market, there are many products claiming to possess the ability to trigger a ‘signal’ in the plant that brings a benefit to the crop,” Riggs explained. “Some of the benefits are identified as early emergence, enhanced vigor or faster growth, with the goal resulting in higher yields.”

Bayer CropScience understands the mechanism behind the plant “signal” influenced by Yield Shield in the soybean plant.

“Yield Shield biological fungicide has been researched for many years in the Bayer laboratory and in the field. It consistently shows to be a powerful means of protection against soybean diseases,” Riggs said.

Specifically, Yield Shield extends protection through three unique modes of action:

Through a mechanism called Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR), Yield Shield causes the soybean plant to build up its own natural defense systems. Young soybean seedlings then “believe” the higher bacteria population from the “living” fungicide around the roots is something against which it needs to be fended. This fight for survival activates a natural “signal” in the soybean plant to defend against the invader.

Additional protection from Yield Shield comes from the fact that the product is a naturally occurring soil bacteria, which extends protection to the plant by occupying space and limiting receptor sites that would otherwise be occupied by negative pathogens; Yield Shield bacteria deprive pathogens of their major food source, inhibiting the pathogens ability to reproduce.

The “living” piece of Trilex 6000 offers the uniqueness of distinct and multiple modes of protection, thus extending the window of efficacy longer than most seed-applied fungicides.

All layers of Trilex 6000 combine to give growers increased crop vigor, stands and yield potential. Replicated data from 42 independent research trials from 2006 to 2008 showed an average yield increase of 5.3 bushels per acre over the untreated seed.

“Each element of Trilex 6000 contributes to the benefits from utilizing a seed treatment with soybeans,” Riggs explained. “Trilex 6000 offers growers peace of mind given excellent protection, all conveniently applied to the seed without having to choose individual products.”

For additional information on Yield Shield or the Trilex 6000 Soybean System, growers can contact their local seed dealer, Bayer CropScience representative or visit BayerCropScienceUS.com.