Aerial blight
scouted Aug. 21, 2025
- Background
- Soybeans in Granville County were being scouted, and it was observed that in 5% of the field, there were patches of plants with marginal browning and yellowing. The grower suspected nutrient issues but also feared disease, so plant and soil samples were submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis and NCDA for soil analysis.
- Conclusion
- Rhizoctonia solani. Aerial web blight, or aerial blight, was identified as part of the issues affecting the plants in this field. It's caused by Rhizoctonia solani, and while it's not a common disease for soybeans in the state, it may cause local losses where conditions are conducive for development. Leaves, stems, and pods may all be impacted. Some varieties are less susceptible, but there is no host resistance. Rhizoctonia has a wide variety of hosts, but corn and sorghum are poor hosts, and rotating with those crops for two years may reduce incidence in future stands.
- Resources
