Rare Soybean Disease Shows in Missouri
University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Wayne Flanary says about 160 acres of soybean in northwestern Missouri show symptoms of sclerotinia stem rot, according to an article on MissouriFarmerToday.com. The MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic confirmed the disease, which can cause large losses in fields with high yield potential.
Also known as white mold, sclerotinia stem rot is rare in Missouri. This stem and root disease is usually found in the northern part of the soybean belt.
According to an Extension news release, retired MU plant pathologist Laura Sweets says the white mold first shows as a wilting of leaves in the upper canopy.
“Leaves may have a gray-green or off-color and wilted appearance,” she says.