Are Fungicide Seed Treatments Worth It for Soybean Farmers?

By Blake Jackson

A new study from Penn State suggests that fungicide-treated soybean seeds may not deliver enough financial return to justify their cost in most farming situations.

Published in Scientific Reports, the research examined soybean production across the Midwest and found that while fungicide seed treatments can increase yields, the gains are generally small and often insufficient to cover treatment expenses.

Researchers also determined that profitability was more likely when treatment costs were low and soybean market prices were high.

Paul Esker, professor of epidemiology and field crop pathology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, said growers should carefully evaluate whether treated seeds provide a meaningful return.

“Farmers often talk about putting money in their pockets, and our research suggests that this can occur by reducing input costs rather than by assuming an economic gain from using treated seeds,” said Esker.

“Growers may want to use treated seeds only in specific, high-risk situations or after verifying a positive return-on-investment.”

The study comes as fungicide seed treatment use has expanded significantly. Researchers noted that treated soybean seed usage increased from about 8% in 1996 to between 60% and 75% by 2015.

To assess effectiveness, the team analyzed data from randomized controlled trials and large-scale farm surveys conducted across 10 Midwestern states between 2014 and 2016.

Yield increases averaged 22.2 kilograms per hectare in controlled trials and approximately 36 kilograms per hectare in observational studies.

“Adoption of seed treatments has continued to increase in U.S. soybean production systems, but uncertainty remains about whether their use is necessary,” Esker said.

“Furthermore, given the parallel questions about the use of seed-treatment insecticides, we recognized that addressing them could go a long way toward helping farmers make better soybean management decisions.”

Researchers also highlighted potential ecological concerns, noting that unnecessary fungicide use may disrupt beneficial microbes in seeds and soil.

“Given the small economic benefits and these known ecological risks, policymakers may want to prioritize support for research and extension programs that help growers identify the specific conditions where seed treatments are likely to be profitable,” Esker said.

Photo Credit: pexels-pixabay