Safeguard Your Soybeans

ROOT ROTS

• TYPES: Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium
• SYMPTOMS: Rhizoctonia: reddish-brown lesions, damping off at seedling stage; Fusarium: dark discoloration, reddish-brown or stunted roots; Phytophthora: pre/postemergence damping off, wilting, plant death.
• TIME OF ATTACK: Phytophthora: shortly after planting in saturated soils; Rhizoctonia: dry to very wet soils; Fusarium: after warm, humid weather.
• CONDITIONS FAVORING: Cool, wet spring weather; saturated soils for most root rots; warm, humid weather for Fusarium.
• MANAGEMENT: Improved drainage, crop rotation, cultivation.

Editor's Note: Please keep in mind this is just a general, short list of pests and diseases to keep an eye out for. Others mentioned included seedling blight, anthracnose, white mold soybean loopers and Japanese beetles. For specific information for your location, contact Extension specialist.