In a recent webinar, Wade Webster, NDSU Extension’s soybean pathology specialist, spoke to soybean producers about diseases in the state.

Webster highlighted five important diseases that were found across the state last year, including brown stem rot, Phytophthora root and stem rot, charcoal rot, white mold and soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Brown stem rot was found consistently across most of the state but at lower levels in some areas, while hot and dry conditions caused charcoal rot incidences.

SCN is the biggest disease issue for soybean growers because it reduces yield. It is a worm, unlike other plant pathogens, which are usually fungi or bacteria. SCN was found across most of the state in 2023. It was found at high levels, especially in the eastern part of the state, which has a history of SCN.

To manage for SCN, Webster said it’s best to conduct soil sampling and apply management strategies, such as control of resistance with resistant varieties and crop rotations.

Read more about the top soybean diseases in 2023 here.