Hail Damage To Soybean

Aug 06, 2014

Laura Lindsey, Grace Bluck, Harold Watters, CPAg/CCA, Mark Badertscher

On July 27, Hardin County experienced hail that damaged soybean at the R3 growth stage (beginning pod). The R1 (beginning bloom) to R5 (beginning seed fill) stages are the most sensitive to defoliation. At 50% defoliation when soybeans are at the R3 growth stage, we expect a 9-18% reduction in yield. (See table for expected yield losses due to defoliation at several growth stages.)

Last year, we conducted a hail simulation trial at the Western Agricultural Research Station in South Charleston. Hail was simulated (via weed whacker) on July 18, 2013 when soybeans were at the R3 growth stage. Defoliation was 40-45%. Soybean yield was 74 bu/ac without hail simulation and 62 bu/ac with hail simulation. (Yes, this was a statistically significant yield reduction.)

Despite cool temperatures this year, soybeans are adding a 1-2 new trifoliates per week which should help the plant recover. In last year’s trial, there was very limited evidence of defoliation 12 days after the simulated hail.

Soybean Hail Damage Study (poster)

Source : osu.edu

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta