Purple Seed Stain of Soybean
Published: 03/19/2019
Purple seed stain is caused by the fungus Cercospora flagellaris and other Cercospora species. Seeds infected with this pathogen can be symptomless or have pink to purple spots extending from the hilum. Discoloration can cover the entire seed or appear as small spots.
Crop value may be lowered by dockage or seed certification denial, but yield is not reduced.
Purple seed stain incidence can be increased by warm, wet weather during and after flowering.
Although caused by the same organisms, there is no consistent relationship between occurrence of Cercospora leaf blight and purple seed stain.
Purple seed stain symptoms on soybean seed.
Image: T. Mueller
Purple seed stain symptoms on soybean seeds.
Image: A. Sisson
For more information see the Soybean Seed Quality Considerations feature article.
Purple seed stain symptoms on soybean seed within the pod.
Warm, wet weather during and after flowering can increase purple seed stain.
Purple seed stain discoloration can cover the entire seed or appear as small spots.
Early symptoms of purple seed stain.
Purple seed stain symptoms on soybean seed in the field.
Infected seeds have pink to purple spots extending from the hilum.
Gallery Images: T. Mueller, D. Mueller, and A. Sisson
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