Soybeans were scouted at the R4 growth stage and yellowing/brown discoloration of leaves and wilt were observed in patches across the field.
Conclusion
This issue was confirmed by the NC State Plant, Disease and Insect clinic to be Cercospora Leaf/Stem Blight. This foliar disease is caused by the pathogen Cercospora kikuchii, the causal agent of purple seed stain. This disease is common in soybeans, it rarely causes significant yield losses for North Carolina producers. Symptomology associated with cercospora leaf blight includes yellowing leaf discoloration with a purple or bronze tint, and as the disease progresses, small dark spots along major leaf veins. Management practices are cultural like crop rotations with non-host crops and chemical with the use of fungicides.