2009 is behind us, and most growers are ready to leave it behind and look forward a better 2010. One problem with that idea is the wet harvest season last fall may have an effect on the soybean seed you purchase and plant this year. There have been several reports of soybean seed infected with Phomopsis seed decay. When wet weather causes delays in normal harvest, this fungal disease has the opportunity to infect the pods and seeds of soybeans because of the continued wetting and swelling of the seed and pods. Phomopsis is present in most of our soils and lies dormant until the soybean crop begins to mature. As the soybeans mature, this fungus moves into the pods and seeds covering them with a white, chalky mold growth and causes the beans to have a shriveled appearance. This causes a reduction in seed weight, and a reduction in germination rates of the infected seed. Healthy looking seed may also harbor the fungi within the seed coat. During germination this fungus will grow rapidly and can cause seedling wilt and/or damping off if it does not prevent germination all together.
The best way to manage your risk is plant quality seed. Check the germination on your seed lots to make sure they are 90% or above. This information is printed on the seed bag or on the seed tag of each bag or bulk unit of soybean seed. Another excellent way to control this risk is to use treated seed. Most of the common seed treatments today do an excellent job of controlling this fungus and will greatly increase germination and emergence on seed lots that may have low levels of infection. If you have questions or concerns about your seed quality, talk to any of our Trelay Seeds Reps and they will be happy to assist you with more info about this issue and if seed treatments would benefit your operation.
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