by Mark Grundmeier, Soybean Product Manager

I’ve received an unusually high number of calls this spring from people, who have noticed all the “yellow soybean fields.” These fields are exhibiting Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC).

Contrary to popular thought, IDC is not a disease as there are no pathogens, fungi or viruses that can be blamed for this condition. Rather, IDC is a function of the soil type common in the area we call the “Des Moines Lobe.” This area covers most of Central Iowa, continuing north into Minnesota and even further north and west into the Red River Valley region. These soils typically contain some areas that are poorly-drained and also have higher-than-normal pH values.

This is one of the worst years for IDC in recent memory. Unfortunately, once IDC is noticed in a field, it’s too late to really manage it properly this season. Avoid applying chemicals on these areas that will damage the already-stunted and chlorotic plants. Then be proactive when choosing future soybean varieties for these fields.

Iron chlorosis symptom - soybean. Photo © John E. Sawyer

There is no such thing as complete resistance to IDC, however, some soybean brands (i.e. varieties) are better than others at handling this condition. Because Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is headquartered right in the heart of North Central Iowa where Iron Chlorosis is a familiar challenge to us, we have always tried to choose soybean genetics that have the best possible scores against this condition.

Latham® soybean brands like L1585R2, L1783R2, L1985R2 and L2183R2 have all demonstrated that they belong in this elite class of defensive products that are designed to give the best possible performance under some of the toughest conditions that our soybean seed customers run into. This is just one more example of our commitment to bringing the highest performing seed products with the best trait values to all of Latham Country!