Aerial blight
scouted June 15, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Rhizoctonia solani
- Background
- A soybean field, variety AG55XF5, planted on 5/1/2026 with Victrato + Vibrance Trio, was being scouted, and it was observed that 10% of the field was affected by damping off, blackening, and root rot in patches in random areas of the field. Heavy soybean cyst pressure along with drought stress. There's a suspicion of secondary infection from Rhizoctonia and/or Fusarium. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- Aerial web blight, or aerial blight was identified as part of the issues affecting the plants in this field. It's caused by Rhizoctonia, 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