Items of Interest to Soybean Producers--Dec. 2025
The following information is presented to keep Midsouth soybean producers abreast of technology that can be used to enhance their operations.
New Crop Protection Products
Voraxor herbicide from BASF contains two active ingredients [AI]–saflufenacil [AI in Sharpen] plus Tirexor, a new PPO AI [both Group 14 herbicides]. This new herbicide that should primarily be used as a burndown before soybean planting is awaiting federal registration, with an anticipated launch in 2026.
Convintro herbicide [Group 12] from Bayer contains an AI [diflufenican] that has not been previously labeled for use on soybeans in the U.S.; thus, it will be the first Group 12 herbicide with a label for soybeans in this country. It has a bleaching action on weeds, and its primary target is pigweed species. This PRE herbicide should be tank-mixed with other PRE herbicides to broaden the weed control spectrum. It is awaiting full EPA approval in the U.S. that should be forthcoming so that it will be available for burndown and PRE use in soybeans in 2026.
Victrato seed treatment from Syngenta [Click here for label] is a combination nematicide/fungicide seed treatment for use on soybean seed. It targets SCN eggs, juveniles, and adults, and also protects against SDS. It should launch in 2026.
Icafolin herbicide from Bayer has new chemistry that is in Bayer’s pipeline for the late 2020's, early 2030's. This POST herbicide for soybeans represents a new AI but not mode of action, and will feature lower use rates. It will work by inhibiting new weed growth through a “freezing” action on weeds that are present.
Vyconic seed trait from Bayer will confer tolerance to dicamba, glyphosate, glufosinate, mesotrione, and 2,4-D herbicides in soybeans. This five-way stack of traits is awaiting regulatory approval, and it could come to market by 2027.
Drone Technology
Drone technology is a fast-growing industry in agriculture. Key areas such as how to effectively charge drone batteries and how to transport large drones to an application site must be considered, in addition to the safe mixing of chemicals that are to be applied by the drone. Click here for an article titled “Drone/UAV Use for Spraying Crops” that presents links to articles about using drones to apply crop protection materials to irregular-shaped fields and fields with obstacles and sensitive areas. Producers are encouraged to remember that drones may be the best option for spraying only those areas of a large field that are infested with the targeted weed or pest since this is a way of reducing the amount of a pesticide that is applied, as well as reducing the cost of a pesticide application.
Macon Ridge Specialty Drone Services is a company that has recently been formed in Louisiana to provide agricultural drone sales and service, as well as custom-spraying using drones in that area. Producers in other states likely will find a drone service that is close to their area if needed. Mississippi producers should contact the Miss. Dept. of Agriculture and Commerce for developments in applying agricultural chemicals with drones. Also, searching for “Drone Service Companies in Mississippi” will yield a list of companies that offer drone service in the state.
Using Biologicals in Soybean Production
A White Paper titled Biologicals as Part of an IPM Strategy provides an in-depth look at the status of using biological products in soybean production. Producers must realize that many products on the market that are touted to affect a plant process may in fact not accomplish that in some cases because of the absence of the growing conditions that will allow it to function as promoted. Thus, producers should thoroughly research the performance of a product in myriad conditions to ensure that it will function as promoted in their environment. Also, it is likely that an “Offensive Biostimulant” is more likely to provide the desired effect since it targets a particular plant process for increased efficiency.
Soybean Research & Information Network [SRIN]
The above link will connect to the SRIN website, which provides access to a collection of articles and Fact Sheets that contain information related to soybean production issues that are of interest to U.S. soybean producers. The content highlights results from research that was funded by the Soybean Checkoff in each U.S. soybean-producing state, plus provides resources and promotes the importance of soybean research.
Occasional Tillage in a No-Till System
A no-tillage system [a key part of conservation agriculture] is often difficult to maintain on a continuing basis. For example, some form of full-width tillage may be needed to 1) remedy soil problems such as compaction or rutting, 2) disturb or manage crop residues following harvest, and 3) manage weeds that have developed resistance to commonly-used herbicides. Thus, strategic or occasional tillage [OT] may be needed every few years to address problems such as those listed above. Negative effects from OT in a no-till system are highly unlikely if 1) the OT is strategically timed and managed, 2) a fast-emerging and quick-growing cover crop mix is planted as soon after the tillage as possible, and 3) a high-residue cash crop such as corn or wheat that produces an abundance of roots is planted.
Composed by Larry G. Heatherly, Dec. 2025, larryh91746@gmail.com