As soybean farmers know, two of the most significant threats to soybeans during early growth stages are Phytophthora and Pythium, water molds that thrive in wet, warm or cold compacted soils. Left unchecked, these pathogens can cause damping-off and significant stand loss, robbing farmers of the strong start their crops need to succeed. Fortunately, advances in seed treatment technologies are offering new ways to protect against these early-season challenges.
“Farmers are used to buying crop insurance,” Travis Anderson, Technical Sales Manager at Corteva Agriscience™, says. “Seed treatment is seed emergence insurance. It’s the first step in ensuring a strong start to the season. The key is selecting the right treatment that offers comprehensive protection.”
Layered Protection
To combat Phytophthora and Pythium and other early-season threats, Corteva has developed two soybean seed treatment blends designed to provide layered protection. By combining multiple modes of action into these all-in-one soybean seed treatments, these blends create a best-in-class early-season defensive shield. At the core of both products is Lumisena® fungicide seed treatment, an industry-leading fungicide seed treatment that delivers unmatched protection against Phytophthora, the top yield-robbing disease in soybeans.
“Lumisena is truly game-changing,” Andrew Stein, Seed Applied Technology Technical Sales Manager at Corteva, says. “It provides enhanced protection against Phytophthora, far exceeding what traditional seed treatment active ingredients can offer.”
The soybean seed treatments from Corteva combine the power of Lumisena with additional advanced technologies, including Lumiflex® fungicide seed treatment and Lumiante® fungicide seed treatment and Phalanx™ insecticide seed treatment, to deliver comprehensive early-season protection. The C-2023FI blend provides two modes of action against Phytophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium, one mode of action against Phomopsis, as well as broad-spectrum insect protection. For even more enhanced defense, the C-3023FI blend builds on these strengths by adding an extra mode of action against both Phytophthora and Pythium, ensuring the most robust protection against soybeans’ biggest early-season threats.
“Multiple modes of action are essential for protecting crops in diverse and unpredictable conditions,” says Anderson. “By layering different active ingredients, these blends not only deliver superior protection against diseases and pests but also reduce the risk of resistance, setting the stage for higher yield potential and long-term sustainability.”
Proven Performance
Investing in the right soybean seed treatment delivers measurable returns. Results from 638 head-to-head field trials comparing Lumisena (0.568 fl oz/cwt) and metalaxyl (0.75 fl oz/cwt) showed yield advantages of up to four bushels per acre in areas with higher susceptibility to Phytophthora. Even in less-affected fields, farmers see consistent gains, making these blends a costeffective tool for maximizing profits.
The robust soybean seed treatment solutions from Corteva are designed with farmers and retailers in mind, offering superior application and handling properties. Streamlined formulations ensure easy mixing, consistent coating, and reliable coverage, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. This ease of use allows applicators to deliver high-quality results while giving growers peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
These soybean seed treatments offer more than just protection — they deliver peace of mind. With layered defenses, industry-leading fungicides including Lumisena, and user-friendly application, Corteva provides farmers with the tools they need to tackle early planting challenges and secure a successful growing season.
“When it comes to battling top yield-robbing diseases and pests, a robust soybean seed treatment is foundational to a successful growing season,” Stein says.
Article originally published by Seed World.
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Lumiante®, Lumiflex®, Lumisena® and Phalanx™ may not be registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Add an EPA-approved dye or colorant to treat the seeds per 40 CFR 153.155(b)(1) during the seed treatment process. Ensure that all treated seed are dyed an unnatural color. Always read and follow label directions. © 2025 Corteva. 025749 LC (01/25)
