Soybeans in Johnston County were being scouted and it was observed that 85% of the field was affected by widespread dieback. Nematode galls on roots, stress may have contributed to plants with green stems and pods.
Conclusion
This issue was identified as Asian soybean rust, which is caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi. Asian soybean rust is a soybean pathogen described for the first time in the Southern portion of North Carolina in 2005. Rust is uncommonly observed during critical growth stages in North Carolina. Heavily infected plants may produce fewer pods, fewer seeds per pod, and reduction in weight, resulting in yield losses.