No more guessing games: Biosensing technology takes guesswork out of fungicide application

Kristen Sindelar
Feb 27, 2026
Feb 27, 2026

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When your crops appear stressed, how can you decipher the root cause of the ailment?

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Fungicide application — When applying fungicide for white mold in soybeans, the optimal application timing is during the R1-R3 growth stages. Closer to R3 was more effective in 2016.
United Soybean Board

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InnerPlant 3.jpg — Early detection and treatment of fungal disease will be possible through the innovative work of InnerPlant, a company based in Davis, Calif.
Submitted photo

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InnerPlant 2.png — InnerPlant combines biology with satellite sensory technology. Genetically modified soybean plants under stress from fungal disease emit a fluorescent glow that can be detected by satellites.
Submitted photo

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SDS — Soybean leaves show signs of Sudden Death Syndrome in fields around the state in 2010. Using resistant varieties is one way to decrease the risk of the fungal disease developing again.

Photos courtesy ISU

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white mold on soybean stem — Soybean growers should harvest fields with white mold last so as not to carry the disease on harvesting equipment to uninfected fields.

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.