Nathan Kleczewski, Extension Specialist – Plant Pathology; nkleczew@udel.edu; @Delmarplantdoc
Diseases significantly impact soybean production throughout the United States. In Delaware, diseases such as Soybean Cyst Nematode, Root Knot Nematode, and stem canker can cause significant annual yield losses. Plant pathologists throughout the United States collect disease loss data each year. This data is compiled and published periodically. Recently, summary data from 2010-2014 was published in Plant Health Progress. What is the biggest message for you to keep in mind when reading this article? Soybean cyst nematode reduces soybean yield far more than any other plant disease. Management of Soybean Cyst Nematode should be at the top of your list if you want to produce high yielding soybeans. This means checking your fields for soybean cyst nematode populations over time, avoiding continuous soybean production, and planting soybeans with resistance to this nematode.
The most damaging diseases affecting soybean production in the United States. From Allen et al 2017.