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StollerUSA, working with a group of consultants, growers
and others, works to develop products and practices that
assist plants with tolerating stress while encouraging desired
physical characteristics through improved genetic expression.
StollerUSA developed a 3-step program to maintain the optimal
functioning of plants from seed to harvest, producing larger,
higher quality, more uniform yields.
STEP 1: ESTABLISHING
GENETIC EXPRESSION
COMO Classic™
The first step in the StollerUSA 3-step program is treating
seeds with COMO Classic™ in the furrow at planting.
Seed coatings can have a greater impact on genetic expression,
and thus yields, than plant nutrition. StollerUSA worked
to refine a combination of materials, including growth co-factors,
able to enhance the seed capability. Equalizing the capability
within the seed package enhances plant-to-plant likeness
resulting in greater uniformity and improving the quality
of all plants. Effective seed treatment establishes the foundation
that will permit growers to increase yields and improve quality
when combined with Steps 2 and 3. Even as a stand alone treatment,
COMO Classic™ can result in yield increases from 2-8
bu/ac depending on other inputs and overall crop finish.
STEP
2: CONROLLING GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS
FRAME™
The second step in the StollerUSA 3-step program is controlling
growth with FRAME™. During the early growth period
(second to fourth tri-foliate), the plant develops at the
same time flowering occurs. This is one of the most stressful
periods the plant endures. Temperature extremes, weed management
challenges, and other undesirable growth conditions, all
contribute to a loss of genetic expression. FRAME, as a stand-alone
treatment, will yield between 3-8 bu/ac, and can be applied
with weed-control treatments. If plants are stressed from
high temperature at the time of this application, yield results
can be higher. The preferred application rate is 2 pints/acre.
STEP
3: IMPROVED FLOWERING AND POLLINATION
SUGAR MOVER™
The third and final step in the program is to apply SUGAR
MOVER™ to improve flowering and pollination. SUGAR MOVER
redirects the flow of sugars from the leaves into the pods.
Application rates of 1.25 – 2 pints/acre consistently
added 6 to 14 bu/ac.
SUGAR MOVER is not a tool to use as a
stand alone if the crop is in an early decline. In these
cases, growers should
seek assistance and monitor their crop, looking at nodules
and roots, as well as the lower leaf canopy. At the first
sign of nodule decline, SUGAR MOVER should be applied.
GUIDELINES & CAUTIONS
Steps 1 and 2 can result in higher
profits as single inputs.
Step 3 relies on the foundation created by the previous
steps. Without this in place, the yield benefit can be
inconsistent. Mid-pod
to late bloom is a critical period of plant development,
but necessary to identify if a finish is to be put on the
crop. Individual seed weight is impacted at this time.
An understanding of total seed weight and seed weight uniformity
from the top of the plant down to the bottom of the plant
is critical if the yield bar is to be raised. Producer
knowledge
in this area is generally limited and, until recently,
most producers have not identified well with this growth
stage.
In Step 3 it is critical to encourage greater food
transfer from the leaves to the seed mid-pod to late bloom
without
promoting a decline of the root system. The transfer
of food to the seed is critical.
SUMMARY
Management of the 3-step program is critical. All
the steps work together to offset the effects of stress
and other
variables, allowing the maximum genetic expression
of the plant from
seed to harvest. Consult your StollerUSA retailer
or crop consultant before beginning your soybean program. |
