By Andi Anderson
Indiana soybean crops are facing a new threat from red crown rot, a fungal disease that is becoming more common in the Midwest. Caused by the fungus calonectria ilicicola, red crown rot is marked by a dark red color at the crown, where the root and stem meet, and can infect the entire root system.
This poses a significant challenge to Indiana’s soybean farmers, as the disease spreads easily and is hard to detect in its early stages.
The disease can spread through infected soil, farm equipment, and water movement, meaning it can move from field to field.
Darcy Telenko, an associate professor of plant pathology at Purdue University, explains that red crown rot is difficult to diagnose initially, as its symptoms resemble those of other soil-borne diseases. Farmers must inspect roots closely to detect the disease.
Environmental factors also contribute to the spread. Changes in weather patterns, such as warmer and wetter spring conditions, make it easier for red crown rot to persist and spread. “Growers are planting in conditions that may promote pathogen growth,” Telenko said, emphasizing the role of changing climate patterns.
Soybeans aren’t the only crop affected by red crown rot. According to Purdue University, other legumes, including alfalfa and peanuts, are also at risk.
Although red crown rot has only affected about 1% of Indiana’s soybean yields, farmers are concerned about its potential impact, especially since more than 50,000 bushels have already been lost nationwide.
Research labs and agricultural organizations are working on ways to manage the spread of red crown rot. Strategies include crop rotation and seed treatments, both of which can help reduce the spread of the disease.
Rotating out soybeans for a season and planting non-host crops can disrupt the fungus's life cycle and prevent it from spreading further.
While red crown rot hasn’t yet affected soybean supplies significantly, its presence is a reminder of the need for careful monitoring and preventive practices to protect Indiana’s valuable soybean crop.
By implementing effective management strategies, Indiana farmers aim to minimize the risks posed by this emerging fungal disease.
Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Soybeans