Field Crop Pathology

Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) caused by the fungus Fusarium virguliforme, is a relatively new disease for Michigan. We confirmed the disease in 2010, though it was probably here for a number of years prior. SDS has significant potential to reduce yield and we have already witnessed 50% losses in severly affected comercial fields. SDS is a difficult disease to detect and monitor as it is soil borne and does not always produce distinctive foliar symptoms. In addition, foliar SDS symptoms can often be confused with other soybean diseases.

We have also demonstrated that the SDS fungus, F. virguliforme is capable of infecting dry beans. This may have substantial consequences, not only for dry bean producers, but those producers that grow both soy and dry beans. 

During our mapping efforts we have demonstrated that F. virguliforme is widely distributed across Michigan. Our current research involves examining the interection between F. virguliforme other soil microbes such as soybean cyst nematode (SCN), using a combination of molecular and culture techniques. We are also developing and refining greenhouse and field screening techniques for identifying SDS resistance.