Soybeans were scouted at the R8 growth stage and areas of plant death, dieback, and non-uniform stand were observed in widespread sporadic patches across the field. In this environment, when harvesting it was noticed that yields were significantly lower.
Conclusion
This issue was confirmed by an NC State Extension Specialist as Soybean Stem Canker. Symptomology associated with soybean stem canker can include reddish-brown lesions on the main stem at the base of a lower stem, small black spots that appear on dead tissue, and dead leaves that remain attached to the stem. There are not options to remedy this issue in this season, however you can best manage this disease with resistant varieties and crop rotation to non-host crops such as corn or wheat.