By Scout Nelson
South Dakota's corn and soybean fields are increasingly falling victim to root and stem rot diseases. Madalyn Shires, a plant pathology specialist at South Dakota State University Extension, recently discussed these concerns at the Dakota Farm Show.
Crown rot, a disease affecting corn, often goes unnoticed until harvest despite infecting crops early in the growing season. This disease has been a significant concern in neighboring states like Iowa and Nebraska, prompting university research to determine its origins, either from soil-borne fungal pathogens or infected seeds.
Stock rot, another fungal disease identified by its unique symptoms such as a shredded appearance and pink hue inside the stalk, has been observed in SDSU's test plots.
For effective disease management, Shires advises farmers to utilize the SDSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic. This facility, located at Berg Agricultural Hall, provides basic tests for identifying pathogens at a nominal fee. Particularly concerning is the soybean cyst nematode, which has shown an accelerated reproduction rate under drought conditions.
In addition to these diseases, South Dakota soybean crops face threats from wet weather-related diseases like Phytophthora root rot. Shires recommends avoiding planting in infected areas and being cautious about soil movement to prevent spread.
The state's diagnostic clinic has also identified sudden death syndrome and charcoal rot in several counties, indicating the widespread nature of these issues.
Farmers are encouraged to stay careful about signs of plant diseases. This rise in corn and soybean diseases in South Dakota highlights the need for proactive measures and expert guidance to ensure crop health and productivity.
Photo Credit - istock-fotokostic
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn