Soybean stem canker
scouted Nov. 4, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Diaporthe sp.
- Background
- A soybean field in Johnston County was being scouted, and it was observed that 40% of the field was affected by defoliation and dieback. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified as soybean stem canker. Symptoms associated with soybean stem canker can include reddish-brown lesions on the main stem at the base of a lower stem, small black spots that appear on dead tissue, and dead leaves that remain attached to the stem. There are no options to remedy this issue in this season; however, you can best manage this disease with resistant varieties and crop rotation to non-host crops such as corn or wheat.
- Resources