Martin Chilvers, an associate professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and MSU Extension field crops pathologist, and graduate students Austin McCoy and Viviana Ortiz: The Chilvers lab conducts research to understand and improve management of diseases. This presentation will provide an update on soybean disease management and current disease management trials.

Chris DiFonzo, a professor in the MSU Department of Entomology and MSU Extension field crops entomologist: Growers often see insects feeding at the field edge in August. This presentation shows how insect defoliation should be measured in soybeans and discusses the rarity of levels high enough to spray in Michigan.  

Christy Sprague, a professor in PSM and MSU Extension weed specialist, and Justine Fisher, a graduate student: Herbicide-resistant horseweed (marestail) continues to be a major problem for Michigan soybean farmers. Learn about the latest research on integrated strategies to manage horseweed with cover crops, soybean row widths and herbicides.

Maninder Singh, an assistant professor in PSM, and Tom Siler, a graduate research assistant: This session will show how various agronomic management decisions can be adjusted based on planting time in order to optimize soybean canopy development and maximize yield and profit.

Kurt Steinke, an associate professor in PSM and MSU Extension soil fertility and nutrient management specialist, and Christian Terwillegar, a master’s student: Soybean producers continue to show interest in modifying nutrient applications to better capture and use nutrients for a potential yield response. However, questions continue to include what to do when soil test phosphorous and potassium are above critical levels and whether to use a starter fertilizer.

Marisol Quintanilla, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Entomology, and Brian Levene, a research associate: This presentation will cover various methods for managing soybean cyst nematodes such as testing, resistant varieties, cover crops, manure applications, trap crops and nematicides.