Daren Mueller, Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist at Iowa State University, shares, “SDS Risk and Management,” a recent Pests and Progress webinar.
Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is a disease that affects soybeans, and the most frequent infecting pathogen is Fusarium virguliforme. SDS affects soybean plants in two phases. Since it is a soil borne pathogen, infection begins in the roots and causes them to begin to rot. Later, SDS produces a toxin that travels up the plant and affects the leaves and bean production. Both the impacts to the roots and the impacts to the leaves can affect yields. Tips for recognizing SDS are described.
There is an interaction between SDS and soybean cyst nematode. Infection areas often overlap. As the soybean trait that offers resistance to soybean cyst nematode begins to fail, SDS may become a bigger issue as well.
Watch the full video for suggestions for managing SDS, from resistant soybean varieties to growing conditions and seed treatments. Seed treatments are a more expensive management option so numerous trials have been done to determine when treatment will result in a return on investment. Results are clearly explained. Detailed resources about SDS are available on the Crop Protection Network. Search for sudden death syndrome.
