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Fusarium root rot on soybean

stunted soybean plant with dark spots on the leaves and decaying tap root.

Fusarium root rot is an important disease that occurs in many soybean production areas in the U.S. However, this disease may be difficult to diagnose because the causal agent(s) may either act as primary pathogens or they may colonize root systems along with other soilborne fungi. Fusarium species are often isolated from soybean roots that are also infected by other pathogens (e.g. PythiumPhytophthora, and Rhizoctonia). Fusarium species are common and can survive for long periods in soil.

Symptoms

The lower taproot and lateral roots of infected soybean plants may appear brown to black in color and show cortical decay or vascular discoloration. Lateral roots may also die and decompose, and secondary roots may develop above them on the upper taproot. If root rot becomes severe, infected soybeans may develop foliar symptoms including stunting, marginal or whole leaf chlorosis (yellowing), wilting, and defoliation.

Conditions and timing that favor disease

four soybean plants with tap root decay and secondary roots growing above.

Cool temperatures and wet soils, particularly early in the growing season, often favor infection by Fusarium species. However, later in the growing season, as soil moisture becomes more limiting, soybeans may become stressed and may also be prone to infection by Fusarium. Factors such as the soybean cyst nematode, soil compaction, crop rotation history, soil pH, and soil type may be important for the development of Fusarium root rot. Flooding has been shown to reduce plant stand and increase levels of root rot.

Causal pathogen

soybean root ball with decaying tap root and secondary roots growing above the root ball.

A number of Fusarium species have been found associated with root rot of soybean. The species most frequently associated with root rot on soybean are F. solani and F. oxysporum. Other Fusarium species include F. acuminatumF. chlamydosporumF. compactumF. culmorumF. equisetiF. graminearumF. merismoidesF. proliferatumF. pseudograminearumF. semitectumF. subglutinans, and F. verticilliodesFusarium species are widespread soilborne organisms capable of surviving for long periods of time as chlamydospores and as mycelium in plant residues and in soil.

Disease management

Planting in well-drained soils and minimizing soil compaction may help to make conditions less favorable for infection by Fusarium species. Minimizing stress and injury to plants caused by soybean cyst nematode, herbicides, iron deficiency, and other plant pathogens may also help to reduce Fusarium root rot. Fungicidal seed treatments are often recommended when planting into fields with a history of fungal root rot problems and may aid in controlling Fusarium root rot.

Dean Malvick, Extension pathologist 

Reviewed in 2018

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