Anthracnose
scouted Sept. 4, 2025
- Scientific Name
- Colletotrichum destructivum
- Background
- Soybeans in Iredell County were being scouted, and it was observed that 65% of the field was affected by dieback, and healthy plants were short between 12 and 16 inches tall. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis. The fields were planted in early July, and the previous crop was wheat.
- Conclusion
- The cause of the blight spots on the leaves was identified as Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum. While usually a disease that shows in the stems and the petioles, it can also cause leaf curling and reddening of the veins. Warm, wet weather favors infection and disease development. Crop rotation and tillage can reduce inoculum, while foliar fungicides will reduce disease, but it's usually not profitable.
- Resources
