PPDC: Pythium Identified In Central, East, And Northeast Samples

Figure 1. Postemergence damping off of soybean.

May 31 – June 6

Throughout the crop production season CropWatch will be sharing regular reports from the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. Following is the first report.

Low soil temperatures coupled with high soil moisture have created ideal conditions for Pythium damping off in soybeans and corn. Scout fields now for stunted or wilted plants. If disease pressure is high enough, seedlings may even fail to emerge above the soil line.

Diagnosing Pythium diseases and differentiating them from other seedling diseases in the field can be difficult  At least 14 species of Pythium can cause seedling blight and root rot. Consider submitting a sample to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic for positive identification.

Figure 2. Reporting districts. (Links to larger version)

Reports

The following diseases were repported in samples submitted to the PPDC.

Corn

Central District — Pythium damping off
Northeast District — Fusarium damping off

Soybean

Central District and East Central District — Pythium damping off

Wheat

Southeast District — frost damage
Southeast District — wheat streak mosaic virus

Source : unl.edu