Widespread Soybean Yellowing Draws Concerns

Recent soybean yellowing has caused concern for Midwest growers. Recent heavy rainfall after ongoing dryness has left the crop susceptible to various pests. Illinois Soybean Association Agronomist Stephanie Porter says the yellowing could result from several nutrient deficiencies or diseases like root rot or phytophthora. Porter says soybeans experience a lack of oxygen when heavy rain falls during a severe drought.

But was the stress enough to cause the yellowing? Porter says fields from northern Missouri to Northern Illinois into Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky have all reported similar yellowing. Agronomic tests will determine the root cause, but Porter says some speculate diaporthe or stem canker issues. Farmers in western Illinois also discovered Mealybug, an uncommon pest. In the meantime, Porter advises farmers to dig up yellow plants to see if root rot or insects are at play.

Read more on soybean yellowing here.