Root rot
scouted July 23, 2024
- Scientific Name
- Pythium sp. and Fusarium sp.
- Background
- Soybeans in Bladen county were scouted and observed 75 % of field was affected by cracking, general yellowing, root rot, stem rot and stunting. These symptoms were widespread across the field. These soybeans were planted in late June following wheat. Deer damage is also present, and no insects were observed during the visit to the field. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- Both Pythium sp. and Fusarium sp. were recovered from the stem lesions in this sample. Fusarium root rot can result in both pre- and post-emergence damping-off, leading to delayed emergence and stunting of infected seedlings. Root rot symptoms typically manifest as dark brown discoloration, with lesions extending through the vascular tissue to the hypocotyls, and are often accompanied by the absence of secondary roots. Pythium species have a very similar survival mechanism and infection process. The overwintering oospores will germinate in saturated soils, infecting the plant or producing more infectious spores that move through water to infect healthy plants. Pythium species overwintering oospores will germinate in saturated soils, infecting the plant or producing more infectious spores that move through water to infect healthy plants.
