Current weather patterns spell trouble for soybeans

From tar spot and white mold to Soybean Cyst Nematodes—current weather patterns are making things tough of soybean producers when it comes to battling increasing crop disease pressure.

SOY FIELD

Farmers across much of rural America have seen a variety of difficult weather patterns this growing season—from drought to excess rain, and rain coupled with extreme temperatures. Recent drought conditions have also increased the presence of the common plant pest Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN).

According to BASF Technical Services Representative Troy Bauer, identifying the nematodes can be difficult because cysts are small — about 10 percent the size of a soybean nodule—and they can cause a 30 percent loss in yield potential before signs of the pest are even visible.

Bauer told Brownfield Ag News, due to current circumstances, they are seeing symptoms of SCN above the ground.

Experts also warn that SCN is not the only issue hitting soybeans this season. Dry conditions also make root systems more susceptible to disease when rain finally shows up, making them susceptible to SCN as well as root rot and white mold.

White mold is starting to emerge in the Midwest, according to a plant pathologist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Especially in areas where there’s been a history of it. Experts say the best management strategy is to select mold-resistant soybean varieties.

And while many times producers are praying for rain, one agronomist says a shift to wetter and cooler weather could result in even more pressure to crop diseases. He urges farmers to be on the lookout for tar spots and Northern corn leaf blight. If you see heavy disease pressure start to pop up in the next week or so, they suggest a second pass of fungicide.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Starting Monday, April 29, the USDA will require free avian flu (HPAI H5N1) testing on all dairy cattle before interstate travel. Positive cases must be directly reported to the USDA for tracing.
However, economists say land values could falter if commodity prices fall in the New Year.
With the New Year comes new ideas, and lawmakers are still trying to find ways to fund the Farm Bill.
The United Soybean Board representatives say export and trade development is critical for increasing international demand.
It is National Farm Safety and Health Week—a time dedicated to recognizing the critical importance of safety on the farm. The National Education Center for Ag Safety (NECAS) usually hosts this week-long event during mid-September so farmers are reminded to prioritize their safety during the harvest season.
Analysts with the Propane Education & Research Council say the outlook for propane prices is positive for the fall harvest season.
Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.