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The Farm Progress PANEL asked what ailments farmers will see in their soybean crop for 2021.

Willie Vogt

July 19, 2021

2 Min Read
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UNWELCOME SITE: Any mottling on a soybean leaf is not good news. Farmers in the latest Farm Progress PANEL shared concerns about a range of diseases that target this valuable oilseed. Willie Vogt

It's that time of year when a promising soybean crop suddenly shows signs of distress. Maybe it's mottling of the leaves with Frogeye leaf spot. Or perhaps it's the disheartening discoloration that accompanies sudden death syndrome.

Members of the Farm Progress PANEL shared what disease they think they'll face as this season progresses.

Turns out Frogeye leaf spot is a concern for about one-fifth (21%) of respondents. This disease has been moving farther north with reports in North Dakota in 2020. The other challenge is that some strains have shown growing resistance to a key fungicide used for prevention and control. It's a growing yield robber for sure.

White mold comes in with nearly a quarter of respondents saying they'll face the problem in 2021. This is a treatable disease, if caught early. The challenge is that it thrives after the canopy closes, in the dark damp area just above the soil. Yet it can turn a promising, rich stand of soybeans into a lost-yield mess quickly.

Less than one-fifth of respondents saw sudden death syndrome as a problem they'll face in 2021. This disease has been spreading across the Midwest for some time, though soybean breeders have been working to tackle it with genetics. And there are seed treatments that can curb disease impact too.

Nearly 40% of respondents, however, feel they'll be facing all the above in 2021. This varied weather from desert dry to monsoon wet would put any disease control and prevention program to the test. This group noting they'll face all three key soybean diseases is perhaps not a surprise. If you do face that in 2021, it's perhaps time to reevaluate the varieties you choose, the seed treatments you buy and your fungicide use and application timing. That could be money well spent.

Thanks to everyone who responded to these PANEL questions.

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Be a part of the PANEL

The Farm Progress PANEL is your chance to share your thoughts on key issues. To take part, start by signing up for our daily mobile text service Farm Progress NOW, we noted above. Later in one of our daily texts we'll provide information about how to sign up for the PANEL. And thanks to the respondents for helping us out.

About the Author(s)

Willie Vogt

Willie Vogt has been covering agricultural technology for more than 40 years, with most of that time as editorial director for Farm Progress. He is passionate about helping farmers better understand how technology can help them succeed, when appropriately applied.

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