News

Seed rep says frost can impact yields of soybeans before R7

A Burrus Seeds representative says soybeans that have reached R7 are generally safe from frost damage.

Josh Gunther is their Product Lead serving Illinois, Missouri and southern Wisconsin. He tells Brownfield frost has negative yield impacts on R6 soybeans and below.

“Because the seed isn’t fully finished inside those pods yet and if we have a killing frost that damages those leaves, we don’t have the photosynthesis to come through and finish filling those out. So, we see smaller seed size and therefore lower yield.”

Gunther says only the leaves are impacted during a light frost which occurs when the temperature is between 28 and 32 degrees. He says the pods and stem are affected during a killing frost below 28 degrees.

Gunther says if possible, frost damaged soybeans should not be taken straight to the elevator after harvest.

“Put those beans in a bin with aeration and heat if possible and the green discoloration will subside with time.”

Gunther says there have already been a couple of light frosts where he is located in Jacksonville, Illinois.