Reliable chemistry helps make the decision easier.

Buying treated soybeans adds cost to planting, but it can pay off at harvest.

MFA agronomist Lyndon Brush says there are several things to consider when deciding whether to buy a soybean seed treatment. But, Brush believes there is a logical tipping point that makes the decision clear.

"If I've had to replant from a disease problem like pythium seedling rot or phytophthora: The bottom line is that I'm probably going to use a soybean seed treatment," he said.

"That's how most people have success with it, they know the field history, and if there is history of disease damage, it's a good practice to consider."

Diseases like phytophthora and pythium are an age-old problem and are nearly impossible to predict because disease levels depend on the season's weather. Brush said that today's producer has probably become more aware of pythium, phytophthora and other diseases because of changes in cultural practices like earlier planting.

"When you target an early planting date, that's an obvious cue that you should consider treating seed," said Brush. Fungi prey on seed in conditions that prevent the plant from robust growth--a common situation with early planting.

One thing to keep in mind: The price of the seed treatment is related to the total amount of active ingredient put on the seed. While a lower cost treatment provides some protection against the typical diseases (pythium, phytophthora, fusarium and rhizoctonia), a history of heavy disease pressure might dictate additional active ingredient. Phytophthora, said Brush, is harder to control in soybeans and requires more active ingredient. And that's one reason it is important to know field history. Selecting the right treatment is more than a cost based decision.

"Unless you know (and it is very difficult to predict) the targeted fungal organisms before planting, I recommend using a combination of fungicides that have activity on both groups," said MFA agronomist Paul Tracy. For example, MFA predominately uses ApronMaxx Bean Pak, which contains Apron XL (active on pythium and phytophthora) and Maxim (active on fusarium and rhizoctonia). With fields that are in continuous soybeans or have had severe phytophthora problems in the past, Tracy recommends the higher rates of Apron XL in combination with the Maxim.

Figure about $2 per bag to treat at the standard rate. For higher levels of active ingredient, figure $4 per bag.

While weather may have much to do with the return on investment from treated seed, research from The Ohio State University showed that over 10 years using seed treatment paid for itself three and a half times over.