Stine^® agronomists urge growers to scout for midseason threats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — ADEL, Iowa (June 26, 2026) — Cool, wet growing conditions across the northern and eastern Corn Belt have increased the risk of midseason diseases and field stressors. StineSeed Company agronomists urge growers to stay ahead of these threats through in-season crop scouting, timely management practices and planning ahead for next year.

“Staying proactive is crucial to fending off midseason threats,” said Tom Larson, Stine’s director of agronomy. “Whether that means accurately timing herbicide and fungicide applications, leveraging aerial scouting, or capturing field observations for next season, Stine’s agronomy team is ready to help growers get the most out of every acre.”

Soybean threats

Sudden death syndrome (SDS), iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) and white mold are among the top soybean concerns this season.

SDS is one of the most damaging soybean diseases in the U.S. and can be difficult to distinguish from others such as brown stem rot or red crown rot. Because management options are limited once symptoms appear, proper diagnosis and planning for future seasons are critical. Stine agronomists recommend a combination of SDS-tolerant varieties, seed treatments, tillage, crop rotation and staggered planting dates to combat the yield-robbing disease for next season.

IDC is another issue following the cool, wet weather experienced across many growing areas this year. The stress caused by these conditions can limit iron uptake, leading to interveinal chlorosis and potential yield loss. While plants may recover as their environment improves, IDC-tolerant soybean varieties can help reduce future risk.

White mold should also be on growers’ radar, as the heavier rains and dense canopies can increase disease pressure, making regular scouting during bloom especially important. White mold can be sprayed with a fungicide application around R1–R3, but crop rotation can help manage long-term impacts.

Corn threats

Fusarium crown rot is an early-season fungal disease that is a growing concern in areas that experienced cool, wet conditions this spring. It deprives plants of moisture and nutrients during grain fill, causing ear development and standability issues.

Experts from the Crop Protection Networknote that Fusarium crown rot is not a well-understood disease, but infected plants may appear wilted, stunted or have yellow lower leaves.

“Growers often notice stunted or wilted plants above the surface, but the real problem becomes clear once you dig a few plants and inspect the roots,” said Larson. “If the roots appear decayed or dark brown, you may be dealing with crown rot.”

Because Fusarium crown rot develops at and below the surface, in-season fungicide applications are typically not effective. Stine agronomists recommend a management plan that includes seed treatments and crop rotation to help reduce disease pressure in future seasons.

General scouting recommendations

Growers should scout frequently and beyond field edges throughout the season.

“The best combination is boots-on-the-ground scouting combined with aerial drone imagery,” said Larson. “Aerial technology helps identify areas of concern quickly, while in-field scouting helps determine the underlying cause.”

Through Stine’s Yield Maximizer Program, agronomists work with growers to spot potential issues, evaluate field conditions, and document observations that can support this year’s management strategies and next year’s planting decisions.

While not every field stressor can be addressed with an in-season application, scouting for midseason issues provides valuable information that supports planning for next season, including hybrid and variety selection, seed treatments, crop rotation, and tillage.

“Our agronomists are available to help growers monitor emerging threats and respond with strategies tailored to their unique field conditions,” said Larson. “Staying ahead of crop diseases is key to protecting yield potential.”

Stine agronomists also recommend that growers leverage the Crop Protection Network’s Crop Risk Assessment Tool, which uses weather-based forecasting to provide crop disease risk assessments and support more informed management decisions.

For more agronomic insights, view the Ask the Agronomist blog or visit StineSeed.com. Growers can also contact their local Stine representative for assistance with in-season scouting and management strategies.