By Scout Nelson
Wade Webster, the new soybean pathology specialist at NDSU Extension, recently provided insights into the major soybean diseases affecting North Dakota. Speaking at the "Getting It Right" webinar aimed at soybean producers, Webster highlighted five critical diseases: brown stem rot, Phytophthora root and stem rot, charcoal rot, white mold, and soybean cyst nematode (SCN).
Webster pointed out that brown stem rot was prevalent throughout much of the state, although less so in certain areas, while charcoal rot incidents rose due to the hot and dry conditions prevalent across the state last year. He noted that white mold had developed significantly in certain areas in 2023, forming hard black structures known as sclerotia on infected tissue.
One of the most persistent issues was Phytophthora root and stem rot, growing under wet and flooded conditions and affecting plants at any growth stage. Webster discussed the challenges related to the resistance genes introduced in 1985, which have diminished in effectiveness over time. In response, a new survey in 2023 examined the resistance genes' effectiveness, with more studies planned for the following year.
SCN, described by Webster as a significant yield-reducing disease, manifests as small worms that can survive in the soil for many years. Webster elaborated on how these worms infect soybean roots and reduce plant vitality by extracting nutrients.
He stressed the importance of management strategies, including soil sampling and the use of resistant soybean varieties. The ongoing efforts by NDSU involve detailed soil sampling to identify and manage SCN effectively.
Webster emphasized the value of the North Dakota Soybean Council’s program, which supports free soil sampling to help growers monitor SCN levels in their fields. He concluded by discussing the use of insecticide seed treatments and the potential benefits of new products available for SCN management.
The webinar underscored the ongoing challenges soybean farmers face with diseases and the importance of adopting comprehensive management strategies to mitigate these issues.
Photo Credit -istock-sandramatic
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Soybeans