Powdery mildew in soybeans, caused by the fungus Microsphaera diffusa, is a leaf disease in soybeans, and it also affects other legumes. The disease requires cool air temperatures and low relative humidity, making it uncommon during Midwest summers. Powdery mildew occurs only occasionally in soybeans in the Midwest and Upper Midwest. Epidemics have been reported about every 10 to 15 years. Nonetheless, powdery mildew can cause significant yield loss when it occurs, so it’s important for farmers to watch their fields for signs of powdery mildew disease. Late-planted soybeans are at greatest risk of powdery mildew infection. The disease may be a concern in Midwestern states during certain years when temperatures are cooler than normal from soybean flowering to maturity.
Identification and Lifecycle
Powdery mildew first appears as small circular areas of white, powdery mold growth on the upper soybean leaf surface. Infected areas enlarge …show more content…
Following seasonal reports about disease occurrences from county Extension agronomists is also a helpful practice.
Seed treatments. Using the correct fungicide seed treatment and rate is a good starting point to provide effective and economical disease control in soybean production. Seed treatments protect soybean seed and young soybean plants from diseases and other threats to plant health and yield.
Variety selection. No soybean variety is completely resistant to powdery mildew, but some varieties are much more susceptible than others. It’s difficult for companies to evaluate and breed for resistance because, in most years, powdery mildew pressure is low or nonexistent in soybean fields. It’s always wise to plant-disease free seed. Good weed control from preplant, at planting and throughout the growing season also helps protect against diseases and other
Identification and Lifecycle
Powdery mildew first appears as small circular areas of white, powdery mold growth on the upper soybean leaf surface. Infected areas enlarge …show more content…
Following seasonal reports about disease occurrences from county Extension agronomists is also a helpful practice.
Seed treatments. Using the correct fungicide seed treatment and rate is a good starting point to provide effective and economical disease control in soybean production. Seed treatments protect soybean seed and young soybean plants from diseases and other threats to plant health and yield.
Variety selection. No soybean variety is completely resistant to powdery mildew, but some varieties are much more susceptible than others. It’s difficult for companies to evaluate and breed for resistance because, in most years, powdery mildew pressure is low or nonexistent in soybean fields. It’s always wise to plant-disease free seed. Good weed control from preplant, at planting and throughout the growing season also helps protect against diseases and other