Evaluating seed treatments for economic return in Alabama soybeans

Soybean seed treatments are widely used as a preventative strategy against early-season insect pests, yet their efficacy and economic return can vary across regions. This study evaluated the impact of insecticide and fungicide seed treatments on soybean yield, pest incidence, and return on investment across six locations in Alabama. Treatments included: untreated control, fungicide only, insecticide only, and a combination of fungicide + insecticide. Data collected included plant stand counts, insect pest populations, return on investment, and yield. No significant differences were found in plant stands or pest populations among treatments. However, yield was significantly higher in treated plots, with all treatments providing a return on investment. Despite limited insect pressure during the study period, results suggest that seed treatments, especially fungicides, can contribute to increased yield and economic benefit in Alabama soybean systems. Further research will investigate the effects of planting date and environmental conditions on treatment efficacy.