Bean Binoculars Incident

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) was observed at the R5 (beginning seed) growth stage in an on farm variety trial. Most of the soybeans were maturity group 4 varieties that were planted on April 30, 2024. Patches of root rot and leaf scorch were found in susceptible varieties. The patches have chlorosis and necrosis across the whole plant. Infected plants were easy to pull up and the main stem had discoloration when cut open. This was observed across ~25% of the site, but the damage severity on infected plants was 75-100%. 

In future years, plant SDS resistant varieties. Other management factors that can help reduce occurrence in fields with a history of SDS include: planting in warm, dry soil, using high quality seed, managing soil compaction, and potentially using a seed treatment.