From the Field
Farmers State Bank Research Plot Update | June 2026
By Jagr McGath
As we move further into the 2026 growing season across Pike and Greene Counties, fungicide planning is becoming a larger focus for many producers.
Recent rainfall and warmer temperatures have helped crops progress rapidly throughout the region. While these conditions have supported strong early-season growth, they can also increase the risk of disease development as corn approaches pollination and soybeans move toward reproductive stages.
With crop potential looking favorable across much of West Central Illinois, the focus is beginning to shift from establishment to protecting yield.
What We're Watching
Disease pressure will largely depend on weather conditions throughout June and July, particularly rainfall frequency, humidity, and overnight temperatures.
Some of the primary diseases producers should continue monitoring include:
Corn
- Tar Spot
- Southern Rust
- Gray Leaf Spot
Soybeans
- Red Crown Rot
- Brown Stem Rot
- Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)
2025 Fungicide Pass Results
As growers begin making fungicide decisions for 2026, last year's research provides an important reminder: more applications do not always translate into higher yields.
Data from 2025 trials showed that a single fungicide application outperformed a two-pass program overall. One application averaged 245.9 bushels per acre, while two applications averaged 244.5 bushels per acre.
Most hybrids showed little to no benefit from a second application, with only one hybrid demonstrating a positive yield response.
While a second fungicide pass may be justified under elevated disease pressure or on specific hybrids, these results suggest that a timely, well-placed application often captures the majority of the benefit without adding unnecessary cost.
Research Spotlight: Fungicide Considerations for 2026
As farmers evaluate fungicide options for the 2026 growing season, research can provide valuable insight into product performance and return on investment.
The following information is sourced from Beck's Hybrids Practical Farm Research (PFR) studies, which evaluate products and management practices under real-world field conditions.
| Fungicide |
ROI |
ROI Win % |
Yield Advantage (bu/A) |
Application Rate & Timing |
Company |
| Miravis Neo |
$24.45 |
91% |
11.0 |
13.7 oz. at R1 |
Syngenta Group Company |
| Veltyma |
$27.94 |
85% |
10.7 |
7 oz. at R1 |
BASF |
| Trivapro |
$23.38 |
69% |
10.6 |
13.7 oz. at R1 |
Syngenta Group Company |
| Lucento |
$19.92 |
82% |
9.4 |
5 oz. at R1 |
FMC Corporation |
Source: Beck's Hybrids Practical Farm Research
Timing Matters
Product selection is important, but application timing can be equally impactful.
According to Beck's Hybrids Practical Farm Research studies, fungicide applications made during morning hours often provide more consistent results than applications made later in the day. In many cases, approximately 8:00 a.m. has proven to be an optimal application window due to favorable environmental conditions.
One Pass or Two?
Across multiple years of research, a single fungicide application continues to provide the strongest return on investment in most growing conditions.
While a second application may be beneficial during years with significant disease pressure, most trials continue to support a one-pass program as the most economical approach for protecting yield potential.
Research Plot Update
Pike County Corn Plot
The corn plot in Pike County is currently around the V6 growth stage, with plants averaging 25 to 26 inches in height.
As growing degree units continue to accumulate, the crop is entering a period of rapid growth where moisture availability, nutrient uptake, and plant health become increasingly important.
Greene County Soybean Plot
The soybean plot in Greene County is currently in the V2 to V3 growth stage, with most plants averaging 6 to 6.5 inches in height.
Early-season development remains strong, and the coming weeks will provide a better indication of how the various seed treatment programs are influencing plant performance.
Looking Ahead
As corn moves closer to pollination and soybeans continue advancing toward reproductive stages, our research plots will remain focused on monitoring crop development, disease pressure, and treatment performance.
In the weeks ahead, we will continue evaluating fungicide programs, seed treatments, and environmental conditions to better understand how these management decisions impact yield potential.
We invite you to continue following along as we share observations, updates, and lessons learned from the 2026 Farmers State Bank Research Plots.