By Sam Markell
This page was adapted from the article, "Brown Stem Rot of Soybeans (BSR)," which appeared in Crop & Pest Report on August 25, 2022.
Brown stem rot is known to occur in the state, although the exact prevalence is unknown. Like SDS, BSR is often more damaging when soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is present. Like many diseases, BSR is favored by short/no crop rotation.
Brown stem rot is caused by a fungal pathogen (Cadophora gregata), that can overwinter/survive in infected soybean stem residue. Infection occurs through the roots in the spring and moves into the stem, impacting the movement of nutrients and water in the plant.