Fighting Rhizoctonia: How to Protect Your Soybeans
Fighting Rhizoctonia in Soybeans
What Is Rhizoctonia?
Rhizoctonia is a destructive soilborne fungus that poses a significant threat to soybean crops. This disease primarily targets seeds, seedlings, and young plants, causing damping-off, root rot, and stem canker. Symptoms include poor stand establishment, brown lesions on stems and roots, and stunted growth, all of which can lead to yield losses if left unchecked.
Rhizoctonia thrives in various soil types and is often exacerbated by:
Cool, wet conditions during early planting.
High organic matter, which provides a food source for the fungus.
Continuous soybean planting, which allows the pathogen to persist in the soil.
Conditions for Rhizoctonia Flareups
Several factors could make Rhizoctonia more problematic during the growing season:
Wet Spring Forecasts: Wetter-than-average spring weather in the Midwest and Southeast will likely create ideal conditions for the fungus.
Reduced Crop Rotation: Increasing soybean-on-soybean acres leave fields more susceptible to fungal inoculum.
Warmer Winters: Mild winters may fail to suppress the pathogen, allowing it to thrive earlier in the season.
Compromised Seedlings: Fields with compacted soil or nutrient deficiencies are particularly vulnerable to fungal infections.
Regional Observations
Agronomists and growers in the Midwest and Southeast are seeing varying levels of Rhizoctonia pressure:
Midwest: Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan growers report sporadic cases, with higher risks in compacted or poorly drained fields.
Southeast: Regions with sandy soils and high humidity see consistent pressure, particularly in continuous soybean systems.
Plains States: Cooler, wetter springs in Nebraska and Kansas may create conditions for Rhizoctonia to spread further west.
Defending Against Rhizoctonia
While there is no cure for red crown rot, integrated management practices can help reduce its impact:
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Seed treatments remain the most effective defense against Rhizoctonia. Products like UAS N-Compass Soybean Blends target the fungus during the most vulnerable stages of plant development. These blends offer:
F/I SDS/WM Blend: A robust formula to combat soilborne diseases like Rhizoctonia.
F/I AZO Blend: Designed for enhanced disease control and stress resistance.
F/I PLUS & PLUS SOUTH Blends: Active ingredients that specifically target Rhizoctonia, tailored for regional needs.
Pair these blends with UAS’s SURPASS soybean inoculant and biologicals like N-Gage Power to:
Promote early root growth.
Enhance nitrogen fixation.
Strengthen plants against fungal invasion.
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Crop Rotation: Rotate soybeans with non-host crops like corn or small grains to disrupt the pathogen’s lifecycle.
Optimize Soil Health: Reduce compaction and improve drainage to limit conditions favorable to Rhizoctonia.
Timely Planting: Avoid planting in excessively wet soils, as waterlogged conditions amplify disease pressure.
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Select soybean varieties with documented resistance to Rhizoctonia and other soilborne pathogens. Consult seed catalogs or agronomists to identify the best options for your region.
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Early detection is critical. Regularly inspect fields for symptoms such as uneven stands, seedling damping-off, or root discoloration. If symptoms are present, consider additional fungicide applications or adjustments to your agronomic practices.
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Adjust planting schedules to avoid conditions that favor fungal growth, such as prolonged wet periods during early development.
Rhizoctonia is a persistent challenge for soybean farmers, but with proactive management, its impact can be minimized. Seed treatments like UAS N-Compass, combined with inoculants, biologicals, and sound agronomic practices, offer a comprehensive defense to protect your yields.
For more information on how UAS N-Compass products can safeguard your soybeans, visit Unified Ag Solutions.