In addition to top-line genetics, breaking the barrier to higher soybean yields means pushing some traditional management boundaries like early planting.

Studies prove planting soybeans early opens the gateway to better yields, but it also brings greater risks of seedling diseases like phytophthora — which has re-emerged as a serious soybean pathogen.

"It’s everywhere every year," says Keith O’Bryan, agronomy research manager at DuPont Pioneer. "With some diseases you can use the rotation...