By Scout Nelson
Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRSR) poses significant threats to soybean crops, primarily influenced by soil conditions and climate factors like compaction and temperature. At the University of Minnesota (UMN), researchers, including Angie Peltier, Kathleen Markham, and Megan McCaghey, are addressing this issue head-on.
PRSR, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora sojae, leads to symptoms ranging from seed rot and damping off in seedlings to significant plant death marked by chocolate-colored lesions on stems later in the season. This disease's prevalence is enhanced by warm, saturated soils, making the 2024 Minnesota growing season particularly challenging.
Effective management of PRSR includes using seed treatments such as mefanoxam, metalaxyl, and ethaboxam, and selecting soybean varieties equipped with Rps genes or partial resistance. These strategies are crucial as they provide different levels of protection against various Ps races found in fields.
To further support Minnesota soybean producers, Dr. Kathleen Markham from Dr. Megan McCaghey’s Lab at UMN is spearheading a project to identify the prevalent races of Phytophthora sojae in local fields.
By baiting the pathogen from soil or isolating it from infected plants, the lab can pinpoint specific races present, providing vital information for selecting the most effective soybean varieties for future planting.
This initiative not only aids in effective crop selection but also enhances overall management practices, potentially reducing the impact of PRSR on Minnesota soybean farms.
Soybean producers interested in this unique opportunity can have their fields tested to make informed decisions about variety selection based on the specific pathogen races in their soil, thereby optimizing their resistance strategies and improving crop yields.
Photo Credit -istock-oticki
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Soybeans