CROP SCENE INVESTIGATION - 23: Why did Arthur’s soybeans get ‘the streaks?’

by BERNARD TOBIN

In spring, when growers see nice, even emergence across a soybean field, there’s an immediate sense of relief. But when random streaks of discoloured plants appear throughout the field, that feeling of satisfaction turns to dread as thoughts of vanishing yield overpower spring optimism.

That’s what Pioneer Hi-Bred agronomist Scott Fife encountered when he received a mid-June call from a grower seeking his advice.

“I got a call from Arthur, a dairy farmer, who was wondering if any growers were having problems with the seed variety he had planted. I told him there were no seed issues, but I would be happy to take a look at the field and help him get to the root of the problem,” Fife recalls.

Better Farming - February 2010