Bean Binoculars Incident

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) was scouted in a soybean field at the R6 (full seed) growth stage. The field in question was part of a double crop variety trial. The trial was planted on June 30, 2024 with maturity groups IV to V. 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%.

Variety selection is the best way to prevent SDS, and ratings from this trial will be available with the upcoming Virginia Tech variety trial publication. Seed companies also have ratings for most varieties to utilize when selecting a variety based on field history.