Ilsoyadvisor Podcasts

Managing soybean diseases starts with knowing what to look for locally. In this latest podcast, Beck’s Hybrids agronomist Chad Kalaher talks about soybean diseases that are common in Illinois and how to employ proper fungicide management. In all of Illinois Septoria brown spot is tagged as the number 2 yield robber in soybeans. It progresses from the bottom of the plant and is a disease that soybean farmers should look out for. In addition, northern Illinois farmers should watch for white mold, while Southern Illinois farmers should watch for frogeye leaf spot. It’s important to note that not all diseases come from fungi, but can instead be from bacteria and viruses. For example, soybean vein necrosis virus would not be controlled with a fungicide. Kalaher notes that in choosing which fungicide to use, it’s important to be cognizant of rotating modes of action to avoid resistance. “I liken it to herbicides,” Kalaher notes. “We need to use the proper chemistry.” The timing and mixes of applications will