Strategies to shield soybeans from white mold in Michigan

Sep 27, 2023

Michigan is witnessing a substantial white mold outbreak, affecting soybean yields considerably. LG Seeds' agronomist, Justin Schneider, is at the forefront, providing farmers with crucial insights and strategies to tackle this issue and safeguard future crops.

The weather, initially dry, followed by abundant rainfall, has been a catalyst for the widespread spread of white mold, putting many soybean plants at risk.

The impact on yield varies, but Schneider estimates a loss of 5% to 10%. To mitigate this, he emphasizes the importance of preventive measures. One of the primary defenses is choosing soybean varieties like LGS2001E3 and LGS2025XF, known for their resistance to white mold.

No-till farming is another beneficial practice, preventing the fungus spores from reaching the soybean flowers by utilizing the debris from previous crops.

Additionally, strategic crop rotation plays a vital role, especially following sugar beet crops, with corn being an ideal choice to reduce white mold levels. Fungicide application is also crucial, with timing adjustments based on row spacings to protect the plants effectively.

Finally, managing soil fertility is essential, avoiding over-fertilization, which favors white mold growth. By following these guidelines, farmers in Michigan can better manage white mold and ensure healthier soybean yields.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.