Soybeans in Gates County were scouted, and it was observed that 25% of the field was affected by damping off. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
Conclusion
This issue was caused by Fusarium oxysporum. It often occurs in irregular patches in the field. Symptoms are first observed in hot and dry conditions, and they include interveinal chlorosis in the leaves, premature defoliation ,and wilting and reddish/brown vascular discoloration in the stem. This disease is usually a major limiting factor in soybean production, but it's more severe in northern states. It usually doesn't represent a major threat to soybeans in North Carolina.