Sudden Death Syndrome is in soybean fields in Tennessee planted to varieties susceptible to the disease. Cool, wet weather -- which the state has had this growing season -- has been favorable for the disease.

According to a July 31 blog by Heather Young Kelly, University of Tennessee Extension plant pathologist:

“SDS is caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. Glycines, which produces a toxin that is translocated to the foliage. SDS leaf symptoms can look similar to southern stem canker, brown stem rot, and chemical burn.

"In a field, SDS affected areas usually show up in spots or scattered areas throughout the field (usually associated with low spots or areas of compaction), not uniform across a field (a uniform pattern across the field is more likely to be pesticide injury). Descriptions and pictures of other soybean disease symptoms and management options can be found at Soybean Disease and Nematode Identification Guide.

"SDS is usually more severe in saturated soils, such as in low spots and under irrigation as opposed to non-irrigated fields. Other factors associated with SDS affected areas include high fertility and soil compaction. SDS is also more likely in soybean fields following corn, as corn is also a host for the pathogen.

"Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infestations can be associated with SDS and increase the effect on yield. It is best to take soil samples in the fall to check for SCN infestations to clearly identify all the possible pathogens affecting the field. More information on sampling and free testing for SCN can be found at UTcrops.com (Nematode Sample How To and Nematode Sampling Form).

If there were fields that developed SDS last year, there is a good chance it will show up again this year in the same fields and spots. Management options include planting a resistant to moderately resistant variety – the majority of varieties tested by UT in 2013 in the variety performance tests were rated for SDS and can be found at UTcrops.com."

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