Aerial blight
scouted Aug. 24, 2025
- Scientific Name
- Rhizoctonia solani
- Background
- Soybeans in Brunswick County were being scouted, and it was observed that 50% of the field was affected by defoliation on most of the lower leaves and the newly developed pods. There could have been water standing in the field at some point during the season. 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 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
