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Late diseases impacting Illinois soybean crops

The outreach agronomist for the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) says many farmers across the state are seeing late-season diseases impact their soybean fields.

Stephanie Porter says she’s seeing a wide range of issues.

“Some concerns with Phytophthora.”  She says, “I’ve had calls on soybean cyst nematode.  Calls on white mold that’s kind of popping up here and there, and maybe a little more south than it normally shows up, just from the cooler weather, and then also Sudden Death Syndrome, SDS, as well.”

Unfortunately, she tells Brownfield there’s nothing farmers can do to help this season’s crop, but plan for next year.

“The Phytophthora in your field might be overcoming some of those genes that you have within, or your tolerance within your varieties, so try to work with your seed salesman,” she says.

Porter says the ISA agronomy team posts regular updates to the association’s newly re-branded, FieldAdvisor.org, website.

Brownfield spoke with Porter at a Field Talk event at the ISA demonstration plots at the Farm Progress Show site in Decatur. 

AUDIO: Stephanie Porter – Illinois Soybean Association