Sudden Death Syndrome
In recent years, sudden death syndrome (SDS) has laid an increasingly destructive path through soybean fields across Illinois. SDS has become progressively more severe from north to south and east to west and caused so much damage that it is now the number-two problem for Illinois soybean growers.
The Checkoff's SDS-managed research program targets not only study of the disease but also finding ways to manage SDS. To date, the program has organized SDS research across academic institutions; developed practical, comprehensive information for farmers; and assessed environmental and agronomic conditions on SDS distribution and severity.
Commercial variety test results for SDS in 2003 included nearly 800 varieties. A number of variables on the varieties were measured, including SDS incidence and severity. Yield data on commercial varieties can be obtained from the Varietal Information Program for Soybeans (VIPS) or the Illinois Soybean Variety Test Results. More information on the Checkoff-funded research measuring incidence and severity can be obtained from http://www.siu.edu/~soybean.
SDS-resistant varieties have been developed with Checkoff funds and are available with no technology fee. Growers should plant these resistant varieties, or other varieties that have performed well, in infested fields. The SDS research team is now looking at SDS resistance at a molecular level to determine how to better build resistance into soybeans. Learn more from VIPS.
Growers can alleviate SDS problems by improving drainage, avoiding soil compaction, and rotating crops. Research shows that growers should stagger planting dates to reduce overall crop susceptibility or delay planting until soils are dry and warm. Avoid soil movement to limit SDS' spread. For more information, visit www.planthealthinfo.com.
Each year, research team members conduct a statewide SDS survey and develop maps that show the disease's distribution and severity. More than 3,000 soybean fields across Illinois have been reviewed each year since 1998. Growers can view these maps in the Illinois annual report and at http://www.siu.edu/~soybean.