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Pod and Stem Blight Photo Identification

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  • Pest Type: Disease
  • Crops Affected: Soybeans
  • Scientific Name: Diaporthe phaseolorum
Symptoms
Pod and stem blight can be found in all soybean-producing areas of the United States. Although infection generally occurs early, no definite leaf or stem lesions are produced early in the growing season. Fungal spore-bearing structures appear as black specks in linear rows on dead or dying stems and poorly developed pods. The pod blight phase results in poor quality seeds, with mold and seed decay.

Disease Cycle
This fungus overwinters on seed and infected crop residue. It is dispersed via airborne spores. Warm and wet weather at R7 to R8 stages favor seed infection and decay. Seedling blight may occur from seed infections.

Control Measures
Crop rotation, disease-free seed, and seed-applied fungicides will prevent seedling blight. Foliar fungicides at growth stage R6 will control seed infection in seed production fields where risk of infection is high. Timely harvest also helps minimize damage.



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