Content by Connie Strunk
Deciding on Fungicide Application to Manage Mid-Late Season Soybean Leaf Fungal Diseases
Soybean leaf diseases can develop in some soybean fields to reach yield-reducing levels. The question that growers often ask is whether it is profitable to apply a fungicide to soybeans at the R3/R4 growth stage in South Dakota.
Is a Fungicide Applied at Tasseling Profitable in Corn?
Corn is currently at tasseling/silking across the state. This is usually the growth stage when a fungicide is applied to control fungal diseases.
Start of Flowering Is the Ideal Time for White Mold Management in Soybeans
Some early planted soybeans are starting to flower (R1 growth stage). One soybean disease that needs to be managed at this growth stage is white mold.
Winter Wheat Diseases Update: Fungal Diseases and Barley Yellow Dwarf Developing
Tan spot and powdery mildew as well as barley yellow dwarf were found developing at low levels in winter wheat fields scouted the week of May 24, 2020.
Soybean Cyst Nematode in South Dakota: History, Biology, and Management
Factsheet about Soybean Cyst Nematode history, biology and management in South Dakota
Does Early Fungicide at Tillering Result in a Profitable Yield?
Tan spot and powdery mildew pathogens are two residue-borne pathogens that can infect wheat early in the season. These diseases can lead to poor tillering, and their continued development can lead to yield loss.
Pre-Plant Disease Management Considerations
If the forecast holds true, it looks like it is going to be another year of excessive soil moisture and possible flooding come this spring. The increased level of soil moisture has implications with regards to plant stand establishment as well as root rot and nematode infestations.
Assess for Corn Stalk Rots
Several corn fields are beginning to show stalk rot and top dieback symptoms. Stalk rots cause the entire plant to die prematurely, which can lead to plants lodging under windy conditions making harvesting problematic.
Early Yellowing in a Soybean Field May Indicate Presence of the Soybean Cyst Nematode
Some portions of soybean fields may show clusters of plants yellowing while the rest of the field is still green. One of the factors that could lead to soybean plants showing early yellowing in clusters is soybean cyst nematode (SCN).
Sudden Death Syndrome Starting to Develop in Soybeans
Sudden death syndrome of soybean is starting to develop in soybean fields in South Dakota. Fields currently being found with sudden death syndrome have symptomatic plants scattered within the field, but continued disease development may lead to larger clusters of infected plants.