Mississippi State University graduate student Jacob Dodd is conducting research aimed at helping soybean producers better understand how residual herbicides impact crop performance. Working through the university’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and supported by the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board (MSPB), Dodd’s study focuses on whether pre- and post-emergence herbicides used to manage weeds may also cause unintended injury to soybean plants.
The project builds on Dodd’s background in agronomy and weed science, developed through his education at Mississippi State and his experience in crop protection research. His current work examines the effects of herbicide combinations such as Dual, Outlook, Prefix, Warrant, Liberty, and Dicamba across different soybean growth stages. The team evaluates visible plant symptoms like chlorosis and necrosis and measures any resulting differences in yield.
Preliminary findings from the first year show that although some plants exhibited visible injury, overall yield losses were not significant. These results provide reassurance for growers using residual herbicides to extend weed control in soybean fields.
The MSPB funds research like Dodd’s through the soybean checkoff program, which allocates part of farmer contributions to local research and outreach efforts. The board’s ongoing mission is to provide data that improves production efficiency, supports sustainability, and strengthens farm profitability across Mississippi.
Dodd’s work underscores the value of applied research that responds directly to producer concerns. As he continues his studies, his findings are helping growers make informed management decisions that support both crop health and long-term productivity.
Read more from Mississippi State University here.