Alison Robertson, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Soybean seedling disease survey
During the 2011 growing season, extension soybean pathologists from the north central states conducted a seedling disease survey to identify oomycete pathogens that cause damping-off in soybean. The survey is part of a larger project that is being funded by USDA NIFA.
In the first year of this study, 54 Pythium species and two Phytophthora species, including Phytophthora sojae, were recovered from damped-off soybean seedlings collected from throughout the north central region. In Iowa, 19 Pythium species and Phytophthora sojae were recovered. Many of the species recovered have been reported as pathogens of soybean seedlings, but some of the species have not. To determine if these other species are pathogenic on soybean, we will have to do "Koch's postulates." This is the accepted scientific method for identifying the causal agent of a disease.
Further research will include comparing the pathogenicity and aggressiveness among and within species, and assessing the sensitivity of each species to fungicides used in seed treatments.
In 2012 this survey will continue, with additional funding from the United Soybean Board used to identify fungal pathogens (Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia species); pathogens associated with damping off of soybean.
Data from these studies will add to our knowledge of soybean seedling disease and lead to enhanced management through improved use of seed treatment fungicides and use of resistance.
Saturated soils favor seedling disease caused by Pythium species.
Locating soybean fields with damping off
This growing season, I am again looking for soybean fields that have damping-off. I need to collect 50 diseased seedlings from the field and bring them back to the lab for processing.
If you know of a field with damping-off, please email me at alisonr@iastate.edu or call me at 515-294-6708, so that we can coordinate sampling of the field.
Alison Robertson is an associate professor in the plant pathology and microbiology department with extension and research responsibilities; contact her at alisonr@iastate.edu or phone 515-294-6708.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on May 1, 2012. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
Alison Robertson Professor of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Dr. Alison Robertson is a professor of plant pathology and microbiology. She provides extension education on the diagnosis and management of corn and soybean diseases. Her research interests include Pythium seedling disease of corn and soybean and Goss's wilt. Dr. Robertson received her bach...