By Andi Anderson
A new soybean disease, red crown rot, has been detected in Indiana fields, raising concerns among Hoosier farmers. The disease, which affects soybeans and other legumes, has been confirmed in several counties, including Adams, Bartholomew, Rush, Decatur, and Spencer.
First discovered in the state in 2022, red crown rot has now spread, requiring farmers to remain vigilant about its presence.
According to researchers at Purdue University, red crown rot exhibits symptoms similar to other diseases, such as sudden death syndrome and brown stem rot. These symptoms include yellow speckling on leaves, interveinal necrosis, and chlorosis, where the veins remain green while the tissue between them turns yellow or brown.
However, unlike sudden death syndrome, affected leaves may stay attached to the plant. Another distinctive feature is the red discoloration at the base of the stem near the soil, where fungal structures may sometimes be visible.
Red crown rot is a soilborne disease, meaning it spreads through soil. Crop rotation with non-legumes, such as corn, may help reduce the initial infection. However, long-term management will require a comprehensive approach to control its spread and impact on future soybean crops.
“There’s nothing farmers can do now to manage the disease this season,” said Darcy Telenko, associate professor at Purdue University. “What’s important now is to understand if they have the disease in their field, so they can plan effective management strategies for the future.”
Red crown rot has been common in southern states for decades, but its presence in Midwest states like Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky is a new development.
Purdue researchers are asking farmers to help track the disease’s spread by submitting samples to the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL) at no charge. Samples should be shipped early in the week and include proper labeling details like collection date, soybean variety, field location, and previous crop history.
With early detection and careful management, Indiana farmers can minimize the potential damage from this new soybean threat.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety