Stem Canker of Soybean
Published: 03/19/2019
Multiple fungi in the genus Diaporthe cause stem canker. The first symptoms of stem canker are often dead plants with dried leaves that remain attached to petioles late in the season. Diseased plants usually occur in patches within fields. Stem lesions start as small, reddish-brown spots at the base of a branch or leaf petiole and then expand to form slightly sunken cankers that are reddish-brown with reddish margins. Cankers may remain on one side of the stem and can extend over several nodes or girdle the stem, killing the plant.
In some cases, Diaporthe fungi cause top dieback by forming a dark brown canker on the upper four to six internodes, which kills only the top of the plant. Diaporthe fungi may also be associated with gray streaking in the lower stem and taproots. Interveinal foliar chlorosis and necrosis can occur as a result of a fungal toxin, but it is difficult to distinguish foliar symptoms from several other soybean diseases that cause similar symptoms.
Early stem canker lesion near a node on soybean stem.
Image: D. Mueller
Stem canker lesion on soybean stem.
Image: C. Grau
Northern stem canker disease cycle.
The fungi that cause stem canker survive in the soil and in infested crop residue. Extended wet weather occurring early in the season is thought to favor disease. Infection occurs when spores are splashed by rain onto plants in early vegetative growth stages.
The best way to manage stem canker is to plant resistant soybean varieties. Rotating crops and incorporating infested crop residue into the soil will reduce the amount of inoculum available to infect the next soybean crop.
For more information see the Stem Canker publication or the Additional Factors to Consider when Selecting Xtend Soybean Varieties feature article.
Early stem canker lesion near a node on soybean stem.
Plant wilting and death due to stem canker.
Cankers may extend over several nodes on the stem.
Characteristic stem canker lesion on soybean stem.
Characteristic stem canker lesion on soybean stem.
Severe stem canker in soybean field.
Diaporthe fungi may also be associated with gray streaking in the lower stem and taproots.
Characteristic stem canker lesion on soybean stem.
Leaves remain attached to petioles after wilting.
Gallery Images: D. Mueller, T. Allen, A. Sisson, K. Wise, and C. Grau
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