SOYBEAN DISEASES IN NORTH DAKOTA

By Berlin D. Nelson, Professor, Dept. Plant Pathology, NDSU

 Diseases can dramatically reduce yields and quality of soybeans, can increase production costs and have negative effects on marketing and cropping decisions. There are a number of diseases that occur in ND, but only a few that at present are widespread and important (Phytophthora, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia root rot and Sclerotinia stem rot).

    Some diseases are, however, threatening to enter the state, such as the soybean cyst nematode and sudden death syndrome, and may occur at any time. Information on biology and control of diseases will be found in the following list.

To find information on a disease click on the names in the right hand menu.

Disease Management and Identification

Recognition of the problem is the first step in managing these diseases. These are general guidelines for managing soybean diseases.

Use high quality seed. Certified seed will minimize the introduction of soybean pathogens. Avoid using seed produced on fields with the soybean cyst nematode or other important diseases.

Use crop rotation. Soybean diseases, especially root rot, build up when soybeans are in close rotations. Lengthening rotations to three or four years between soybean crops allows natural processes to reduce pathogen populations. Some crops such as dry beans and sugarbeets may be infected by pathogens that attack soybean. Have diseases positively identified so sound decisions can be made on the use of rotation crops.

Scout fields for disease. Record the incidence of disease, because such information can be used to make good decisions on management practices.

Strengthen the soybean plant. Use good cultivation practices to promote growth of soybean. Provide adequate soil fertility, avoid soil compaction, enhance drainage, control weeds, and avoid herbicide damage.

This site will be updated as new information becomes available.