Iron (Fe) Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) of Soybean
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) causes interveinal chlorosis, which appears as pale-yellow leaves with green leaf veins. Symptoms appear on newly formed leaves, often starting with the first trifoliate leaves, because iron (Fe) is not mobile within the plant. Plants can grow out of the chlorosis. Plant growth may be stunted in severe situations, reducing yield potential. Varieties vary in their susceptibility to IDC. Symptoms can be confused with those caused by manganese deficiency or soybean cyst nematode (SCN).
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) foliar symptoms.
Daren Mueller
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) visible in soybean field.
Adam Sisson
IDC can occur on soils with sufficient Fe, as Fe may not be present in the soluble form required by the plant. IDC normally occurs on calcareous soils with high pH. Wet soils, soils high in nitrate, and/or soils with decaying organic matter like crop residues or manure, are also more likely to cause IDC of soybean. Herbicide injury or plant disease may limit the uptake of Fe. Factors that limit root growth such as cultivation resulting in root injury, nematode injury, and compaction may increase IDC risk.
Management of IDC starts with selecting a soybean variety with the best tolerance rating to IDC. Companion crops, such as oats or rye, have been shown to reduce nitrate in the soil, reducing IDC. Plants closer together, for instance by increasing the seeding rate, will reduce IDC. In-furrow application of an iron chelate in the ortho-ortho form has also been shown to reduce IDC.
Prepared and reviewed by the Science for Success team and the Integrated Pest Management Program at Iowa State University.
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) foliar symptoms.
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) foliar symptoms.
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) visible in soybean field.
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) visible in soybean field.
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) foliar symptoms.
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) visible in soybean field.
Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) foliar symptoms.
Gallery images courtesy Daren Mueller, Adam Sisson, and Tristan Mueller.
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