Soybean farmers seeing signs of sudden death syndrome are being urged to inspect plants closely for red crown rot, an emerging disease that can produce nearly identical leaf symptoms. Iowa State University Extension confirmed red crown rot last week in a southeastern Iowa field. The farmer previously believed the affected area had sudden death syndrome. Both diseases can cause yellowing between leaf veins and premature plant decline. However, red crown rot can be identified by reddish discoloration and tiny red fungal structures near the plant’s crown and soil line. Red crown rot, caused by a soilborne fungus, has expanded from the South into several Midwestern states. Yield losses of 25% to 30% have been documented in Louisiana and Mississippi. Iowa State officials recommend growers submit suspicious plants for laboratory testing because accurate identification can influence future disease-management decisions.
Iowa soybean farmers urged to watch for red crown rot as disease spreads
