Soybeans in Pitt County were being scouted and observed 85% of the field was affected by browning and yellowing in the crown and pods. The discolorization was localized. The site is in a high area. The plants exhibited signs of insect chewing and chlorosis.
Conclusion
This issue was identified as Asian soybean rust, which is caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi. Asian soybean rust is a soybean pathogen described for the first time in the Southern portion of North Carolina in 2005. Rust is uncommonly observed during critical growth stages in North Carolina. Heavily infected plants may produce fewer pods, fewer seeds per pod, and reduction in weight, resulting in yield losses.