Sudden death syndrome
scouted June 17, 2024
- Scientific Name
- Fusarium virguliforme
- Background
- Soybeans, variety Revere 4606, in Martin County were scouted , and 15% of a field was observed to be affected by canker, defoliation, dieback, browning and yellowing, leaf spots, and wilting in patches. The field was planted on April 15 at a seeding rate of 125,000 plants per acre using treated seed. Pre-plant fertilizer included 100 lbs of sulfate and 60 lbs of potash. Micropac was applied at 1.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified as Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), caused by Fusarium virgulliforme. Afflicted plants suffer from flower and pod abortion, reduced seed size and vigor, and yield losses. Symptoms start at the roots, with necrosis and dieback, then the vascular tissue of the taproot turns brown and discolored, and later in the season, the leaves develop chlorotic spots that become necrotic. Crop rotations, resistant cultivars, and irrigation management, as well as seed treatments, are the best management practices for the mitigation of SDS. In North Carolina, losses by SDS often do not warrant the use of chemical controls.
- Resources
