Corteva soybean breeder Charlie Zila joins Dairyland Seed agronomist Dan Ritter to explain how Corteva builds Dairyland Seed-ready varieties for the Midwest. The conversation covers what is bred and tested in our Windfall research lab, how short-day biology in Puerto Rico speeds population development, and how large, replicated networks deliver confident advancement decisions.

Charlie then unpacks soybean cyst nematode genetics, including why PI88788 dominance has consequences and how a complete Peking package delivers stronger protection. The episode closes with a practical update on red crown rot, where it has been confirmed, how it mimics SDS, and what Corteva is doing to screen, score, and prioritize tolerance in the pipeline.

Topics discussed:

• Corteva breeding focus and trait segments in Windfall, IN: Enlist E3, with conventional and high oleic testing
• Why fields with adapted SCN populations often respond better to Peking and how complete Peking is defined
• The complete Peking package
• Red crown rot in the Midwest: gradual movement north, counties with activity, and overlap with the SDS footprint
• Red pycnidia at the crown, when to send samples, and why many suspect cases still prove to be SDS
• Preliminary red crown rot scores in later maturities and ongoing nursery work in Illinois

Helpful links:

• Contact Dairyland agronomy support: https://www.dairylandseed.com/contact-us.html

Episode notes:

• Recorded in January 2026
• Host: Dan Ritter
• Guest: Charlie Zila, Corteva soybean breeding scientist

Produced, edited and mixed by Corteva Agriscience.

All content is developed and produced by the Dairyland Seed Agronomy Team.

Guests do not necessarily reflect the views of Dairyland Seed, or Corteva Agriscience.

All agronomic information provided are merely suggestions. You should always do your own additional research and adhere to any local, state, or national laws.

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