Agronomic Practices to Maximize Soybean Yield and Control Fusarium-Related Diseases

Increased soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] commodity prices in recent years have some growers switching to a high-input based management approach in attempt to further increase yield. This consists of prophylactic use of inputs instead of utilizing the traditional management system that strives to minimize inputs and relies on integrated pest management principles to warrant application. However, there is limited validated data to support this high-input approach. Furthermore, one of the unforeseen consequences of maximizing yield is the increased occurrence of soybean diseases. Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium virguliforme are two relatively new soybean pathogens in Wisconsin, but the effects of agronomic management practices on disease development and subsequent soybean yield loss caused by both of these pathogens in Wisconsin are not yet well understood.;This dissertation consists of multi-disciplinary research designed to better understand agronomic management practices for maximizing soybean yield and controlling Fusarium-related diseases. This research is grouped into three areas of emphasis which are: (i) to evaluate prophylactic use of inputs and their interactions with agronomic management practices for increasing soybean yield, (ii) to determine the impact of F. graminearum and F. virguliforme on soybean growth and yield loss, and (iii) to evaluate the effect of agronomic management practices and inputs on reducing the impact caused by F. graminearum and F. virguliforme.;The research contained in this dissertation serves to independently answer specific questions within these areas of interest, but together, they serve to ultimately increase soybean yield and profitability. It is the objective of this dissertation to provide valuable information for making sound soybean input decisions and for strengthening disease management recommendations not only for soybean growers in Wisconsin, but also throughout the Midwest.