Fusarium and Rhizoctonia Seedling Disease
scouted May 22, 2024
- Background
- Soybeans were scouted at the VC to V2 growth stage and chlorosis, stand reduction, dark brown root discoloration, and total necrosis were observed. In this environment symptoms were observed in patches along rows, but was not widespread. These were soybeans planted in research plots, on April 30th.
- Conclusion
- This issue was confirmed by the NC State Plant, Disease and Insect Clinic to be injury from Fusarium and Rhizoctonia Seedling Disease. Soybean seedling diseases are caused by a variety of soilborne fungi and oomycetes. Cooler, wet soil conditions at planting could have synergized symptomology. Symptoms associated with seedling diseases include reduced stand, dark brown discoloration of roots and hypocotyls/cotyledons, wilting, stunted growth, and plant death. There are not options to remedy this issue this season but varietal selection for disease resistance and subsequent use of fungicide seed treatments at planting dates earlier than mid-May are warranted in following years.
