What's Happening?
Syngenta has unveiled a new soybean seed treatment called Victrato, which contains the active ingredient cyclobutrifluramin. This product is set to be available for the 2026 growing season and is designed to be used alongside a base fungicide-insecticide
seed treatment. Victrato aims to manage early-season threats to soybeans, including soybean cyst nematode (SCN), sudden death syndrome (SDS), and red crown rot. Dale Ireland, the technical product lead for Syngenta Seedcare, emphasized the importance of protecting seedlings from pests and diseases due to changing planting trends and reduced seeding rates. The treatment is particularly significant as red crown rot is being identified in more locations across the Midwest, with new detections in several states.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of Victrato is crucial for soybean farmers facing increasing threats from diseases and pests. As planting trends evolve, with soybeans often being planted earlier and at lower seeding rates, the value of each plant has increased. This makes effective protection against diseases like red crown rot and pests like nematodes essential for maintaining yield potential. The rise in red crown rot detections highlights the need for advanced treatments like Victrato, which offers a higher performance compared to existing products. This development could lead to better crop management and potentially higher yields, benefiting farmers economically.
What's Next?
Farmers are likely to consider integrating Victrato into their seed treatment plans, especially in fields with confirmed red crown rot or significant nematode pressure. As awareness of red crown rot grows, more agronomists and farmers may investigate fields showing symptoms similar to SDS, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments. The agricultural community will be watching the performance of Victrato in the upcoming growing season to assess its effectiveness and return on investment.
