Fusarium and Pythium Seedling Disease
scouted June 3, 2024
- Background
- Soybeans were scouted at the V4 growth stage and discoloration of roots, stunted growth, and chlorosis were observed. In this environment, symptoms were observed in patches of the field in areas of lower and wetter soil conditions.
- Conclusion
- This issue was confirmed by the NC State Plant, Disease and Insect Clinic to be injury from Fusarium and Pythium Seedling Disease. Soybean seedling diseases are caused by a variety of soilborne fungi and oomycetes. Wetter soil conditions 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.
