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Watch for red crown rot in soybeans

A field agronomist in eastern Missouri says farmers should be monitoring soybeans for red crown rot, a new soil-borne fungal disease in the state.

“About the time you’re spraying fungicide is probably when you’ll start to see it.”

Scott Gard with Pioneer says the disease that causes reduced yields and pre-mature plant death was confirmed in two northeast Missouri counties last year, Marian and Audrain. Red crown rot has also been confirmed in Illinois and Kentucky. He says it’s likely spread to other areas through wind or equipment.

“Once you’ve got it, it’s pretty hard to get rid of it. We’re down to management.”

Gard says red crown rot infection happens early in the season like Sudden Death Syndrome, but the disease sets itself apart with a reddish color at the soil line or root of the soybean plant. He says it also advances quickly.

“I noticed last year, walking a few fields that had it, the time from when you saw infection in the leaves and on the roots to when it was pretty much defoliated and almost dead was a short period of time.”

Gard says there are some seed treatments and soybean varieties available to help farmers suppress the disease. Pioneer is evaluating different soybean varieties to help farmers.

“In Illinois they have some plots doing some research and as it expands in Missouri, I’m sure we’ll have a chance to plant research plots to get good information and data.”

He says farmers should contact their local agronomist if they find the disease this season so it can be confirmed at the University of Missouri’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic.