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NCERA137: Soybean Diseases (NCR137)

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [05/23/1007] [03/29/2005] [05/12/2006] [09/22/2008] [03/06/2009]

Date of Annual Report: 05/23/1007

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 02/18/07 to 02/19/07
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2006 to 09/2007

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The annual meeting of NCERA137 Soybean Diseases was held at the Sheraton-West Port Inn in St. Louis, MO on February 18 and 19, 2007 in conjunction with the Southern Soybean Disease Workers and the Soybean Breeders/Pathologist Workshop. A joint general session between NCERA137 and the Southern Soybean Disease Workers was held from 1:00 pm to 5:20 pm on Sunday, February 18. After a welcome and introductions, presentations were made by R.W. Schneider, J. Mo, A. Wrather, D.A. Smith and S. Isard. Paper presentations were followed by a joint social and dinner.

    The separate NCERA137 meeting was convened at 8:00 am on February 19. Chair Erick DeWolf, formerly of Pennsylvania State University and now of Kansas State University, was unable to attend the meeting so Past Chair Doug Jardine agreed to chair the 2007 meeting. The proposed agenda for the meeting included introductions followed by the business meeting and state reports concluding with discussion on the Soybean Pathology White Paper.

    Steve Slack, Administrative Advisor, provided a brief update. NCERA137 is good through September 20, 2009. The committee will need to start a rewrite next year and the rewrite needs to be completed by December 2008. The past year has been a busy year at the administrative (federal level) for a number of reasons and some of the actions taken this past year may have long term implications for both agriculture and universities. The redo of the Farm Bill may or may not get done this year. The time line right now is to complete the revisions this summer. The potential exists for a number of changes in the new Farm Bill including a bigger portion for biofuels and a continued emphasis on conservation; however, crop subsidies are under scrutiny. There is also discussion on the structure of how research, education and extension are handled and will be handled in the future. Changes may be coming out of the Executive Branch for Agricultural Experiment Stations and Hatch/McIntyre Stennis or REES agencies related to funding. Create 21 could put intramural and extramural components under one structure with single leadership or chief scientist. Impact would vary from state to state because all state Experiment Stations operate differently. How this will settle out is unknown- there is support for no change, support for changing the structure has strengthened and there is always room for unanticipated changes. Agricultural Experiment Station budgets may not change but if there is a major change in form then budget changes may follow.

    Tom Chase nominated Craig Grau for the position of secretary/chair elect. X.B. Yang seconded the nomination and Craig Grau was unanimously elected to serve as secretary in 2008 and chair in 2009.

    Discussion followed on meeting location, time and format for 2008. After suggestions ranging from another joint meeting with the Southern Soybean Disease Workers to meeting with the southern division of APS to meeting just as NCERA137, the majority of members favored meeting as a separate NCERA137 committee directly after the 2008 Soybean Breeders Meeting in St. Louis, MO (mid February). The meeting would focus on soybean research and problems in the North Central states and include ample time for discussion on results, techniques, etc.

    At this point the official business meeting was concluded and state reports initiated. State reports were presented by committee members from North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Ontario. Also, Arv Grybaukas presented a summary of soybean fungicide data that was submitted to him from trials throughout the US during the 2006 season.

    As a final topic of discussion Craig Grau presented the Soybean Pathology White Paper. Craig Grau and Anne Dorrance led discussion on the purpose of the white paper, suggestions for final changes in the white paper and ways to use the white paper to increase awareness of the importance of soybean diseases and the need for continued or additional financial support for soybean disease research.

    NCERA137 would like to thank members of the Southern Soybean Disease Workers for their assistance in making arrangements for this meeting.

    Accomplishments:
    Phytophthora Root Rot: Phytophthora root rot remains one of the most serious diseases of soybeans in the United States. The North Central Soybean Research Programs grant Limiting Losses to Phytophthora sojae in the North Central Region, a multi-state research and education effort lead by Dr. Anne Dorrance of The Ohio State University, is in its final year. The group is planning a June meeting to compile the various components of the project and prepare publications on several aspects of the research. Since the correct mapping of the Rps8 gene for Phytophthora resistance, The Ohio State group has characterized and identified the loci associated with resistance to Phytophthora sojae in plant introductions. A new method of quantifying partial resistance in soybean to Phytophthora root rot using WinRhizo root analysis software and hardware was developed at North Dakota State University. Measuring root length of three week old seedlings can quantify and differentiate between high and low partial resistance. Nebraska continues to find more fields with biotypes of Phytophthora that are aggressive against most marketed resistance genes.

    Soybean Cyst Nematode: SCN continues to be a major production problem for growers throughout much of the United States. Projects focusing on SCN work including identifying sources of resistance, incorporating resistance into soybean cultivars and germplasm, evaluating effects of crop rotation and crops on SCN, determining losses due to SCN and identifying prevalent HG types are components of soybean research programs in many states.

    Soybean Rust: Soybean rust was found late in the season in more northern states including Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. There is a real need to maintain grower awareness of this disease and to be prepared to manage the disease if it should occur earlier in the season in north central states. Minnesota and South Dakota have continued to submit Section 18 requests for additional fungicides for soybean rust with other states using their submission as a template. Anne Dorrance, The Ohio State University, is leading the effort to revise the national extension publication, Using Foliar Fungicides to Manage Soybean Rust. The pocket guide is also being revised. Most states are involved in the USDA/CSREES/RMA/NCSRP soybean rust sentinel plot program. Sentinel plots in all soybean producing states were monitored throughout the growing season and results posted on the national web site www.sbrusa.net . Many committee members conducted soybean rust fungicide trials and fungicide application technology trials.

    Sudden Death Syndrome: Although SDS was not as widespread nor damaging as it is in some years, it was a problem in certain areas during the 2006 season. SDS was confirmed in Nebraska for the first time at locations in eastern Nebraska. A Minnesota survey confirmed SDS in 19 counties. Wisconsin confirmed SDS in nine counties in 2006.

    Charcoal Rot: For many of the states west of the Mississippi River the 2006 season was unusually hot and dry. Charcoal rot was a serious problem in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska and was reported in South Dakota as well. Trials rating breeding lines for resistance to charcoal rot were conducted in a number of states.

    Foliage Diseases: Incidence and severity of foliage diseases such as Septoria brown spot, frogeye leaf spot, downy mildew, bacterial blight and bacterial blight varied depending on weather conditions in a given region. Ohio reported widespread and damaging levels of frogeye leaf spot. The disease was particularly severe on 3 or 4 branded cultivars that wee widely planted on approximately 500,000 acres. Yield losses ranged from 10 to 35%.

    Soybean Viruses: Soybean viruses continue to be of concern in states throughout the North Central Region. Surveys for incidence and severity of soybean viruses were conducted in some states.

    Sclerotinia White Mold: In states in which Sclerotinia white mold is a problem work continues on increasing the level of resistance to the pathogen in soybean, in determining if a novel antifungal synthetic peptide expressed in soybean will confer resistance to the pathogen and on other means of managing this disease.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Since the confirmation of soybean rust in the U.S., the soybean rust sentinel plot system now known as the IPM PIPE is based on sentinel plots established in all soybean producing states. Results are available in the national data base at web site, www.sbrusa.net; which has helped growers with better management decisions and prevention. The publication, Using Foliar Fungicides to Manage Soybean Rust is in the revision process for distribution in 2007.
    2. Phytophthora root rot remains one of the most serious diseases of soybeans in the U.S. A multi-state research project, nearing completion, should result in several publications focusing on pathotype diversity across the N.C. states, results from germplasm and cultivar screening and various management studies. Information from this multi-year project will be available in several formats and should be valuable to producers trying to manage Phytophthora root rot of soybeans.
    3. Sudden death syndrome continues to cause significant yield losses in many N.C. states, and confirmed in additional states. Cooperative efforts evaluating resistance or susceptibility of germplasm lines and cultivars to SDS provide valuable information to breeders trying to develop and release resistant soybean cultivars.
    4. Dr. Craig Grau and Dr. Anne Dorrance lead efforts to write a white paper on soybean diseases Soybean Pathology White Paper, which stresses the importance of soybean diseases and highlights research areas which need emphasis. The aim is to use the white paper to increase funding for soybean disease research. The final white paper will be posted on the NCSRP web site and available through other formats.
    Last Modified: 24-May-2007

    Date of Annual Report: 03/29/2005

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 03/02/05 to 03/03/05
  • Period the Report Covers: 02/2004 to 03/2005

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The 20th annual meeting of NCR-137 was held at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale, AZ on March 2 and 3, 2005. The meeting was held in conjunction with the Southern Soybean Disease Workers (SSDW) Meeting and the NC504/NC202 meetings. A joint general session on soybean rust was held on March 2nd. Presentations were made by Ray Schneider, Louisiana State University, Glen Hartman, USDA-University of Illinois, Reid Frederick, USDA-ARS, Monte Miles, USDA-ARS, Greg Shaner, Purdue University, Kelly Whiting, Delta Pine Land Company, Marty Draper, South Dakota State University, X.B. Yang, Iowa State University, Kitty Cardwell, USDA-CSREES, Coanne OHern, USDA-APHIS, Carrie Harmon, University of Florida-SPDN, Anne Dorrance, Ohio State University, Loren Giesler, University of Nebraska and Jim Kurle, University of Minnesota.

    A morning session for NCR-137 was convened at 8:30 am on March 3.

    Anne Dorrance provided an update on SoyCAP (Soybean Coordinated Agricultural Project). It deals with soybean translational genomics. The project will target the soybean genome for rust resistance genes. Soybean genomics will compete against other genomic projects such as wheat, barley and rice. As an example, rice received block grants in the amount of 20 million dollars last year. There will be a writing workshop for the grant at the end of May. Information on who will be on the writing group should be sent to Anne.

    Laura Sweets distributed the soybean disease loss figures for 2004.

    The rest of the morning session was taken up by state reports. Detailed state reports were presented by Wisconsin, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas and Ontario.

    Following lunch, Chair Anne Dorrance called the business meeting to order. Berlin Nelson moved to approve the minutes of the 2004 meeting as distributed by e-mail and the motion was seconded by Loren Giesler. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.

    Participants and guests introduced themselves and gave brief updates as to retirements, position vacancies and recent hires within their departments or units.

    Steve Slack, administrator advisor for NCR-137 provided a brief update. The presidential budget was the topic of a Washington, D.C. meeting earlier in the week. The president is proposing to reduce formula funds, water quality, food safety, and other targeted funds from the budget. This would be offset by an increase of $75 million in state experiment station competitive grants. The Board of Agriculture has made reinstatement of the formula funds a top priority. There is hope that most, but probably not all of the funds will be restored. Steve suggested that this may be a trial balloon for future years. For more specific state information, it was suggested to visit the NASULGC (National Association of State University and Land Grant Colleges) website @ http://www.nasulgc.org. The twelve north central states will lose $54 million directly with additional losses from leveraged state funds. Positions affected would include 203 faculty, 263 staff, 175 other, and 574 graduate students. There is a push to refer to these funds as base, as opposed to formula, so that they do not sound like handouts. As an example, the loss of base funds would equal about 25% of the agriculture funding in Ohio.

    NCR-137 is current and up to date on reporting. We were reminded that we have 30 days to report the minutes and 60 days for the annual report. It was noted that we need to designate the committee as either a NC-CC (coordinating committee) or NC-ERA (extension research area) category.

    Discussion of the 2006 meeting site occurred. Sylvia Cianzio (IA) had previously arranged for us to meet in Puerto Rico in 2006. In light of the introduction of soybean rust into the United States, the consensus opinion of participants is to meet with SSDW again in 2006 instead, maybe in February or early March. Efforts will be made to find a date. The American Phytopathological Society (APS) will be contacted to see if they would be willing to postpone their proposed National Soybean Rust Symposium currently scheduled to be held on November 15-16, 2005 so that it could also be held in conjunction with the NCR-137/SSDW meeting.

    The next item of business was the election of the secretary. After some discussion, Erick DeWolf volunteered to be secretary for 2006. He was accepted by a unanimous voice vote. Doug Jardine will advance from secretary to be the chair.

    Berlin Nelson moved that NCR-137 be designated as an NC-ERA committee. Erick DeWolf provided the second. There was no discussion. The motion was unanimously approved.

    NRC-137 would like to thank members of SSDW for their assistance in making arrangements for the meeting.

    Being no more business, Berlin Nelson moved to adjourn the meeting and Loren Giesler seconded it. Following approval the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm.

    Accomplishments:
    Soybean Rust 1. Soybean rust was found in 2 counties in southeast Missouri in late 2004 2. Minnesota and South Dakota took the lead nationally in developing Section 18 emergency request templates for additional fungicides to be used to manage soybean rust 3. Ohio State led cooperative efforts to provide preserved rust infected leaf specimens to extension specialists for use at winter seminars and a national extension publication titled, Using Foliar Fungicides to Manage Soybean Rust. 4. Worked cooperatively with NC504/NCD202 Soybean rust committee to develop a joint annual meeting

    Sudden Death Syndrome 1. Several states reported high severities in 2004 with a new record report in NE 2. Regional variety trials were planted and evaluated 3. Ongoing research in the region includes identifying mycoviruses of Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines that may be associated with pathogenicity and using a green fluorescent protein gene to study the differences between partially resistant and susceptible cultivars

    Sclerotinia White Mold 1. A multistate North Central Soybean Research Program project continues. A project meeting was held in New Glarus, WI 2. High levels of white mold were reported in several states 3. Ongoing research in the region includes studying the role of light in disease development, identifying mechanisms of host resistance for germplasm improvement, and evaluating novel antifungal synthetic peptides.

    Phytophthora Root Rot 1. Pathotyping of field isolates from across the region is nearly complete 2. Metalaxyl resistance testing has indicated that most field isolates remain susceptible to the fungicide

    Charcoal Rot 1. Illinois, Mississippi and Kansas are cooperating on a North Central Soybean Research Program project to improve germplasm resistance to charcoal rot. 2. New greenhouse screening techniques have been developed at Illinois and field evaluations are being conducted at several locations among the cooperating states.

    Bean Pod Mottle Virus 1. Nebraska, Ohio and South Dakota have ongoing programs studying this bean beetle vectored virus. Studies center around evaluation of cultivars for resistance and reducing losses through the use of insecticides to manage the vector

    Impact Statements:
    1. For the four year period 1999 to 2002, charcoal rot losses in soybeans in the United States averaged 8.9%. Cooperative efforts between plant pathologists in Illinois and Kansas and soybean breeders in Mississippi resulted in the release of a high-yielding, charcoal rot-tolerant, MG IV soybean germplasm line for use by both public and private soybean breeders.
    2. Cooperative work with the NCDC 202 Soybean Rust committee resulted in the publication and distribution of 750,000 soybean rust identification cards and 140,000 copies of a new publication, Using foliar fungicides to manage soybean rust, to assist growers, scouts and county agents in the management of soybean rust. Additionally, two hundred plastic mounts containing rust infected soybean leaves were distributed to university plant pathologists for use in educational programs.
    3. Phytophthora root rot remains one of the most serious diseases of soybeans in the United States. Resistance testing of Phytophthora sojae field isolates indicated that most remain susceptible to fungicides containing metalaxyl, one of the main management tools for soybean producers in limiting losses to the disease.
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 05/12/2006

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 03/07/06 to 03/08/06
  • Period the Report Covers: 03/2005 to 03/2006

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Doug Jardine called the meeting to order and asked participants to introduce themselves. The Director of the Western Tenn Research and Extension Center then welcomed the group to the station. Steven Slack reviewed administrative details including reporting requirments and encouraged members to make sure they contact their experiment station director to document membership and participation in the committee. The group then transitioned to state reports. (See summaries below)

    Business Meeting: (March 8) Doug reviews the duties of chair and secretary for the committee. He notes that Erick De Wolf will finish his term as secretary after this meeting and become the Chair for 2007. He then asked for nominations of volunteers for the secretary in 2007/Chair in 2008. Laura Sweets was nominated and after some discussion agreed to serve. The committee then approved her nomination and elected her by unanimous vote.

    The next meeting is to be held in conjunction with the soybean breeders meeting. This meeting is typically held the 2nd week of Feb. in Saint Louis, MO. Erick will work with them to develop a program. Suggested topics include: The Diseases breeders are interested in, and opportunity to present cooperative projects from different groups including: Charcoal rot, frog eye leaf spot, Phytophthora, Soybean Rust, Sudden Death Syndrome, Viruses

    Report summaries: Nebraska: In 2005, Nebraska soybean producers harvested 4.7 M acres of soybean with an average yield of 50.5 bu/A (increase of 4.0 bu./A over 2004 and 2004 was increased 6.5 bu./A over 2003). In fields that planting occurred prior to spring rains, we did see some seeding disease activity caused by Pythium spp. and Phytophthora in the eastern third of Nebraska. Our most commons seedling disease problem in the diagnostic clinic this year was Rhizoctoinia. Foliar diseases observed in soybean rust sentinel plots and Nebraska Crop Surveillance Network (NCSN) fields were Bacterial Blight, Bacterial Pustule, and Brown Spot. Very little Downey Mildew was observed in 2005. A sampling project funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board in 2005 resulted in the detection of SCN further west in Nebraska, several with very high SCN populations. In 2005, sudden death syndrome was confirmed in several more fields across the eastern third of the state and all locations were the earliest fields planted in the area. Occurrence of Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) was greater in 2005 than in 2004 and bean leaf beetle populations were higher than the previous year. Current research projects relating to soybean pathology include studies on strobilurin fungicide effects on yield, chemigation as a means of applying fungicides to soybean, influence of variety genetics on Phytophthora management, and yield impact assessment for BPMV.

    Wisconsin: Soybean diseases of most economic importance are soybean cyst nematode, brown stem rot, Phytophthora root rot and Sclerotinia stem rot. Soybean cyst nematode has expanded to 41 of 72 counties, which represents 90% of the soybean acreage in Wisconsin. Aphid transmitted viruses remain at low incidence in commercial fields despite soybean aphid activity in past years. Soybean dwarf virus (SbDV) was detected in soybean and red clover, but at a low incidence in soybean. Research continued on phenotypic and genotypic characterization of resistance to Phialophora gregata, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Bean pod mottle virus, and Alfalfa mosaic virus. Significantly higher levels of resistance were identified for Phialophora gregata, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Alfalfa mosaic virus. Symptom severity and pathogen reproduction were both employed to characterize interaction phenotypes of soybean lines in greenhouse and field trials. Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis, D. phaseolorum var. caulivora and D. phaseolorum var. sojae were isolated from soybean stems at growth stage R8. Research has focused on etiology and methods to identify each form of D. phaseolorum. Fungicides were evaluated at four locations and yield improvement averaged 1.5 bu/a, with a high of 6.5 bu/a acre at one location. An R2 application of Headline resulted in a 6 bu/a yield improvement for a brown stem rot susceptible soybean variety. Yield was not improved for a brown stem rot resistant soybean cultivar.

    Kansas: Soybean production for Kansas in 2005 was 105.5 million bushels, down by 5% from 2004. Estimated losses from disease were 5.75% with seedling diseases, brown spot, anthracnose, brown spot, Phytophthora root rot and SCN being responsible for the bulk of the losses. Fungicide spray trials were conducted at three locations, with the end result being that, in the absence of soybean rust, economic loss would have occurred at two of three locations. While soybean cyst nematode continues to spread across the state, yield losses have not noticeably increased due to improved yield potential of resistant varieties in the Group 3 varieties and more varieties available with stacked traits that include SCN resistance. Kansas continues to publish female indices values for all varieties in the Kansas Soybean Performance Test. The incidence of virus infected soybeans was up for the second consecutive year. Tobacco ringspot and bean pod mottle virus were most often identified.

    Ohio: A cold, wet spring led to some stand establishment issues in Northwest and south central Ohio with snow covering many fields during the last two weeks of April. SCN could be found in many areas of the state, the size of the high infestations (stunting) continues to grow. Some recent counts from the diagnostic clinic have reached 50,000 to 90,000 per cup of soil. Sclerotinia was spotty at best. Few reports of SDS and brown stem rot. Research Projects and Progress discussed included: Mapping Rps8 resistance to Phytophthora sojae; Characterizing the resistance to P. sojae in PIs from South Korea; Components of partial resistance in roots of soybean; Cytological comparison of partial resistance, Rps2, root resistance and R-gene response to Phytophthora sojae; Characterizing seedling pathogens from problem fields in Ohio; and Evaluation of Quadris/Warrior applications for yield benefits.

    Pennsylvania: Growing conditions in PA where near slightly below normal during the 2005 growing season. Dry weather prevailed during the early part of the growing season, and some producers struggled with delayed germination and seedling emergence. Sporadic rains in May and early June keep the crop growing but canopy closure was delayed in some areas of the state. Foliar diseases remained at low levels in most fields with Septoria brown spot being the most commonly reported disease. As summer progressed frog-eye leaf spot and downy mildew were commonly reported. Based on a samples received by either Dr. De Wolf or the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, frog eye leaf spot may have been damaging levels in a small number of fields. Dry conditions appeared to hasten the maturation of the soybean crop in most areas of the state, and yields were near the state average. Soybean disease research at Penn State University focused on white mold (Sclerotinia stem rot), Soybean rust and fungicide evaluation during the 2005 growing season.

    Ontario: Soybean growers faced numerous production challenges in 2005 including soybean cyst nematode, aphids, spider mites, phomopsis, bean leaf beetles, and adverse weather. Geography played a large part in how much this impacted individual producers. A lack of moisture was a problem for many areas while some parts of eastern Ontario suffered from excess rainfall. Despite these difficulties, yields were generally at or above average. The range reported was from a low of 25 to a high of 75 bu/ac. The provincial was approximately 41 bu/ac. Over 2.35 million acres of soybeans were planted in 2005, making soybeans the largest row crop in Ontario. A dry spring across much of the province allowed most soybeans to be planted under good conditions and during the ideal planting window. Many producers were able to complete soybean seeding by May 25th. In some counties, fields were so dry that soybean emergence was poor resulting in some replanting being required. Research topics included: evaluation of control strategies for Phytophthora root rot.

    Indiana: Disease losses caused by Phytophthora root rot, sudden death syndrome (SDS), brown stem rot, and soybean cyst nematode (SCN) continued to be important in Indiana in 2005. New awareness of Rps8 virulence by isolates of several P. sojae races suggest it is important to continue evaluating P. sojae inoculum potential in soybean fields to determine just how to develop future control strategies. Dr. Dorrance and several of the NC plant pathologists are currently working on this problem as a NCSRP activity. I am presenting information about my Rps8 data during one of the SSDW sessions. Awareness of Frogeye leaf spot caused by Cercospora sojina was definitely increased. Scouting due to the ASBR potential enhanced some of the FE awareness; FE frequency and severity were such that it emphasizes the need for breeders to give more attention to including the Rcs3 resistant gene in new cultivars. Soybeans with the Rcs3 gene that were inoculated in 2004 and 2005 tests were resistant to all isolates of C. sojina that Abney has collected from central and southern IN during the past three years. Several IN soybean producers were insistent that FE caused excessive yield losses; however Greg Shaner and I were not able to document the nature of infection and/or defoliation at any of the field locations in question.

    Minnesota: soybean growers harvested 299 million bushels of soybeans from 6.8 million acres in 2005. Average yields were 44.5 bushels per acre, which was a record. This is in contrast to 233 million bushels of soybeans harvested from 7.05 million acres in 2004. Most planting was delayed by extremely wet and cold conditions statewide during May. However, temperature and moisture conditions during June, July, and August were optimal for crop growth and yield. Because of the coincidence of ideal growing conditions with planting seedling roots were only a minor problem. The principle cause of seedling diseases was Fusarium spp. Only two reports of stand loss to Phytophthora sojae were received in the Plant Disease Clinic. Race 25 was isolated from samples collected in the affected fields. A network of sampling sites was established to detect spores of Phakopsora pachyrhizi. Beginning in late July and into August P. pachyrhizi spores were detected on 10 weekly sample dates in rainfall collectors located in these sites. Research topics included: SBR Sentinel Plots; Modeling and Trajectory Analysis for SBR; SBR Forecaster; Pathotypes of Phytophthora sojae present in fields showing symptoms of Phytophthora root rots; Foliar Fungicide Applications; and Breeding Efforts.

    Missouri: The 2005 season was an interesting one for soybean production in Missouri. Just under five million acres of soybean were harvested with an average yield of 37 bushels per acre. This is eight bushels down from the record 2004 yield of 46 bushels per acre. Weather conditions were a major contributing factor during the 2005 season. Most of the state had extremely dry conditions for June, July and the first week of August. The remainder of August was unusually wet. September to date have again been on the dry side. Temperatures were normal to slightly below normal for most of the season. Drought took its toll on yields in some areas of the state and in some early planted fields. The August rains were crucial saving the crop for much of the state.

    North Dakota: The soybean acreage in North Dakota is now around 4 million acres and is expected to increase with soybean production moving north and west. The soybean disease research projects in 2005 were: 1) identification of virulence phenotypes of Phytophthora sojae and characterization of sensitivity to metalaxyl, 2) biology of Fusarium root rot, 3) identification of sources of partial resistance to P. sojae in northern germplasm, 4) biology of SCN in North Dakota, 5) incorporation of resistance to P. sojae and soybean cyst nematode (SCN) into public soybean cultivars (cooperative study with breeder), 6) evaluate efficacy of seed treatment and foliar fungicides on soybean, and 7) monitor for Asian soybean rust using a sentinel plot network. Research topics included: Phytophthora root rot; Biology of Fusarium root rot; Soybean Cyst Nematode; Fungicide Efficacy Trials and Asian Soybean Rust Monitoring.

    Accomplishments:
    Identification of new soybean diseases and distribution changes for disease causing species and biotypes helps soybean producers effectively manage disease problems and assists companies in positioning soybean varieties in local markets.

    Research evaluating the affects of currently marketed fungicides for foliar and seed protection provides the data necessary to assist soybean producers in making treatment decisions.

    The combined efforts of researchers involved in this committee result in the soybean disease management recommendations developed by all states. The coordination of efforts and reports with the committee greatly assist in development of a uniform recommendation for management.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Identified that the P. sojae population is still sensitive to metalaxyl, the primary seed treatment fungicide for this pathogen
    2. Demonstrated that PI399073 would be effective against almost all P. sojae populations in the north central region
    3. Identified additional sources of resistance to P. sojae in early MGs
    4. Completed the characterization of the P. sojae population in 9 states of the north central region.
    5. Demonstrated that Fusarium solani is involved in the seedling disease complex and causes pre-emergence damping-off of soybean.
    6. Demonstrated a major increase in virulence diversity of Phytophthora sojae in ND.
    7. Evaluation of commercial seed treatments indicate an economic value to their use on early planted and no-till soybeans in Kansas with a 3-year average yield increase of 2.6 bushels per acre.
    8. As a result of soybean rust sentinel plot scouting efforts, no fungicide application recommendations were made in Kansas. Based on data from Kansas fungicide trials, Kansas producers saved $3.33 for every acre NOT sprayed with a fungicide in 2005.
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 09/22/2008

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 02/20/08 to 02/22/08
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2007 to 09/2008

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Chair Laura Sweets called the meeting to order and presented the meeting agenda.

    CSREES Report Marty Draper presented information on the Presidents budget. He reported an upcoming shift to 70% of Hatch funding associated with multi-state projects. Hatch is moving towards a greater competitive format. The extension budget was doubled for implementation of extension to redefine access understanding and usefulness of extension education. Risk Management will cease funding for soybean rust sentinel plot program in 2009.

    Administrative Advisor Report Steve Slack reported that Hatch funds will be 16% lower to states. academic programs. Impacts at state level shifts in hatch and reduce formula grant portion 40% - dollars to new multi state competitive grant program so can retrieve dollars. Feds like multi state projects. Smith-Lever funds are flat for extension programs. Another change is a shift of integrated activities such as water quality, methyl bromide and IPM to NRI. Funding for NRI is up 25% but due to shift of 406 program funds. Funding for bioenergy and specialty crops was also moved to NRI.

    NCERA 137 Business Meeting A motion to approve the 2007 minutes of NCERA 137 was made by Yang and seconded by Nelson. Minutes approved by voice vote.

    Silvia Cianzio suggested the 2009 meeting be held in Puerto Rico on January 17 to 20 or January 26-27, 2009. Motion: Nelson move to accept invitation and proposal- Giesler second; passed by voice vote. Silvia Cianzio is coordinating local arrangements. The Southern Soybean Pathology Workers will be contacted and as well as member of NCERA 200.

    The current NCERA 137 project ends September 30, 2009 and has been assigned a temporary number, NCERA 137temp. The renewal proposal should make a case that 137 should remain that number due to longtime identity with industry and commodity groups. The Rewrite Committee is composed of Anne Dorrance, X.B.Yang, Paul Esker, Leonor Leandro, and Carl Bradley. Deadlines are September 15, 2008 for a draft of issues and justification and the final version is due December 1, 2008 to Steve Slacks administrative assistant for submission to NCERA website. Each state representative should present commentary on impact, accomplishments and deliverables. The Committee discussed the addition of soybean pathologists from other regions. Membership lists need to be updated. The status was certain for James Grichar and Charlie Rush. Non experiment station members can be added and need to contact Steve Slack office. Each member must request experiment station directors to renew appendix E. This is not done automatically to remain a member of NCERA 137.

    Election of officers; Motion by Anne Dorrance that X.B. Yang be interim Chair for 2009 until Silvia Ciazano is officially appointed to NCRERA 137 by the Experiment Station Directors. Motion seconded by Tom Chase and passed by voice vote. Motion by X.B. Yang to elect Paul Esker as Secretary for 2009 and Chair for 2010. Motion seconded by Berlin Nelson and passed by voice vote.

    A motion was made by Anne Dorrance for recognition to Laura Sweets for outstanding duties as Chair of NCERA 137 and acknowledgement and thanks to David Wright for monetary support for the meeting.

    Workshops Carl Bradley led a discussion on fungicides applied to seed and foliage. Paul Esker led a discussion on the use of meta analysis for data from multiple experiments. Berlin Nelson led a discussion on the use of molecular methods to study soybean pathogens.

    White Paper Discussion The current document is comprehensive but does not focus on research and extension priorities. There was discussion to update yield loss table and pass by industry personal for review.

    Purpose of white paper; use as resource to generate funding, identify key issues to address, and an overall review of soybean pathology. White paper may serve as resource to develop themes and direction for more focused treatment of research priorities and research needs. The white paper can be used to identify a theme from which to derive research or extension priorities. There was discussion to restructure the format on the basis of themes. Examples discussed were root health and subregional themes within northcentral region. Additional themes discussed were identification of resistance genes, selection methodology for resistance genes and genetic mapping of soybean and soybean pathogens. The disease triangle was discussed as a foundation of a model to develop research teams; Pathogen team, host team and environment team/yield loss activity in this team. Yield loss could be a first step and used to justify research efforts on a specific pathogen or complex system.

    The Committee decided to develop a Plan of Action which would entail one page document and would refer reader to the full white paper on a specific web site. Berlin Nelson will draft a one page Plan of Action and Diane Brown-Rytlewski volunteered to assist with the Extension content.

    See attached full annual report that includes state report.


    URL: Copy of minutes

    Accomplishments:
    The Committee decided to develop a Plan of Action which would entail one page document and would refer reader to the full white paper on a specific web site. Purpose of white paper; use as resource to generate funding, identify key issues to address, and an overall review of soybean pathology. White paper may serve as resource to develop themes and direction for more focused treatment of research priorities and research needs. The white paper can be used to identify a theme from which to derive research or extension priorities.

    NCERA137 members maintain close association with NCERA208 and NCERA200 to coordinate research on soybean rust and soybean viruses, emerging pathogens.

    The committee is extensively involved in technology transfer.

    NCERA137 has played an important role in the development of the IPMPIPE (Integrated Pest Management-Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education) which allows you to follow the spread of soybean rust on a real-time basis.

    This committee has influenced research directions on soybean diseases imporant to the NC Region.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Foster collaborative research on soybean diseases among scientists in the North Central Region including soybean breeders and entomologists
    2. Evaluate impacts of new crop production technologies on soybean diseases.
    3. Transfer informaiton and technology about soybean diseases to researchers, extension faculty, producers and agribusiness community.
    4. Monitor new or reemerging pathogens of soybean.
    Last Modified: 01-Dec-2008

    Date of Annual Report: 03/06/2009

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 01/25/09 to 01/27/09
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2008 to 09/2009

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The Annual Meeting of NCERA137 Soybean Diseases was held at the Costa Dorada Beach Resort in Isabela, Puerto Rico, from January 25 to 27, 2009. Silvia Cianzio, Chair of NCERA137 called the meeting to order on the morning of Jan. 25. The format for the meeting included state reports on Jan. 25, field visits to the Iowa State University and Monsanto-Caribe winter nurseries on Jan. 26, and continued state reports, discussion topics, and business meeting on Jan. 27.

    State reports were presented from the following states (details to follow): (i) Illinois, (ii) Indiana, (iii) Kansas, (iv) Michigan, (v) Minnesota, (vi) Missouri, (vii) Nebraska, (viii) North Dakota, (ix) Ohio, (x) Wisconsin, (xi) Alabama, and (xii) Iowa. State reports were also received from Louisiana.

    Discussion topics included (details to follow): (i) David Wright, research director of ISA and NCSRP, Iowa soybean producers concerns, program direction, (ii) Jennifer Jones, research director of USB, Soybean production concerns at national level, (iii) Anne Dorrance (OH), White paper on soybean diseases research, (iv) Diane Brown-Rytlewski (MI), Development of standard ratings for foliar diseases of soybean, and (v) Leonor Leandro (IA), Soybean rust concerns: addressing research and the search for solutions in a concerted manner?

    Summary of the Business Meeting: On Jan. 27, the business meeting was conducted. Paul Esker (WI) will Chair NCERA137 for the 2010 meeting. Carl Bradley (IL) was nominated by Doug Jardine (KS) as Secretary for 2010, and seconded by X. B. Yang (IA). Carl was elected unanimously for Secretary of NCERA137. Discussion ensued on a meeting location for 2010. Every third year, this group meets with the Soybean Breeders during their meeting in St. Louis. In 2010, it will again be our turn to meet with the breeders. Therefore, the group was in agreement that the NCERA137 meeting should be held around the 2010 Soybean Breeders Meeting. Furthermore, the Corn Disease Working Group (former NCDC214) and Practical Management of SCN and Other Nematodes of Regional Importance: With Special Reference to Invasion Biology (NC1035), have both expressed interest in jointly meeting with NCERA137. Possible topics for half-day sessions with these groups include the interactions of SCN with soilborne fungi and an update on fungicide activities in corn and soybean. Further discussion will continue with both groups to coordinate the timing of the joint meetings.

    Steven Slack, Administrative Advisor of NCERA137 phoned into the meeting to provide a brief update as follows. The rewrite and materials that were needed for NCERA137 were received and will be reviewed by Plant Pathology Department Heads and the NC-Regional Committee at the end of March 2009. It is expected that a note regarding these reviews will be received in April 2009. As of now, Steve did not see any red flags in the materials submitted. Steve did emphasize that in future documents, pay particular attention to documenting the impacts and interactions across states. In terms of federal budgets, right now there is a continuing resolution at the federal level, but the President wants quick action on the programs. Tentatively, there may be increases of 3-5% for research and extension based on original discussions, however, there are many things in transition at the moment.

    The meeting was then adjourned. NCERA137 members would especially like to thank Silvia Cianzio for making arrangements and hosting participants in Puerto Rico.

    Accomplishments:
    State Summaries and Accomplishments:

    Phytophthora root rot: Phytophthora root rot continues to be problematic for soybean production in the NC-Region. In 2008, historic flooding in many states increased concern for widespread occurrence of Phytophthora root rot. Questions remain about the effectiveness of the Rps1k gene. Research continues in several states towards an improved understanding of the population dynamics of P. sojae. One collaborative project in progress between OH and MO is mapping QTLs associated with partial resistance, a project that is funded by USB and NCSRP.

    Charcoal rot: Although typically thought of as a disease of southern production regions, charcoal rot was significantly more widespread in 2008. Multi-state research currently is being conducted to identify new sources of resistance, to understand the interaction between disease and soil type, water, and nutrients, and also to determine the role of inoculum level in disease development.

    Soybean cyst nematode: SCN remains the number one yield limiting disease of soybean production in the United States. In 2008, multi-state, NCSRP-funded field research trials commenced, to examine the effect of source of resistance on the population dynamics of Heterodera glycines. As part of this project, a large outreach component was developed to improve stakeholder awareness of the effect of SCN on yield and long-term profitability?. Breeding research continues in many states to identify new sources of resistance and new field surveys are being conducted in states where SCN has historically been less common to understand the potential impact of SCN on soybean in particular and on crops other than soybean.

    Sudden death syndrome: While SDS occurrence is variable across the NC-region, it remains a major problem in many soybean production areas. Multiple projects are being performed across the states to look for new sources of resistance, to determine the cultural practices that can affect disease development, to determine the timing of infection, to improve the understanding of the distribution of Fusarium virguliforme within states, and also to improve understanding of the interaction between F. virguliforme and SCN. These projects include multiple multi-state collaborations funded through the NCSRP.

    Pythium: Research from Ohio has shown that there are 24 different Pythium spp. associated with seed and seedling infections on corn and soybean. New results also show that in fields with a history of replanting, P. irregularre and P. inflatum were most common. Increased diversity of Pythium spp. was found fields with higher levels of available calcium, CEC and organic matter.

    Fusarium: An improved understanding of the potential effect of Fusarium spp. on soybean production is needed. Research is currently focused on determining the diversity of Fusarium spp. in soybean fields. This is a multi-state USB-funded project.

    Cercospora leaf blight (CLB): There is a great need to improve our understanding of this disease in the north central region. Fundamental knowledge is lacking, such as whether field symptoms that look like CLB are indeed symptoms of the disease and whether CLB will cause yield loss in the north central soybean production regions. Research from Louisiana has indicated that late season foliar fungicides are ineffective against this disease, in part because it appears that the infection occurs during early vegetative stages. Research from Wisconsin has shown that soybean variety appears to be the more dominant factor in the risk of CLB, since an early V5 application did not affect the development of CLB.

    Frogeye leaf spot: New research from Ohio has documented that the causal organism, Cercospora sojina, can overwinter in parts of the NC-Region, increasing the potential for epidemics. Furthermore, in studies conducted in multiple states, the Rcs3 resistant gene appears to be performing quite well against isolates collected from the field and it is felt that breeders should pay particular attention to incorporating this gene into new cultivars.

    Bacterial blight: Research is currently being conducted in Illinois to determine the predominant race of bacterial isolates. The majority of isolates appear to be of race 4 and research is ongoing to identify sources of resistance.

    Sclerotinia stem rot: In areas where Sclerotinia stem rot remains a problem, research continues to identify sources of resistance, to examine the potential use of biocontrol agents, and to also develop forecasting models for the disease.

    Green stem: Research continues in some states to understand the importance of this disorder, especially to identify the etiological agent. In Louisiana, it was found that the use of RoundUp herbicide in conjunction with a strobilurin fungicide caused an increased incidence of green stem, and that there were significant interactions among water stress and varieties.

    Soybean rust: Continued monitoring for soybean rust continued in 2008 across the entire soybean production region, funded by the USDA/CSREES/RMA/NCSRP. There is a sense of fatigue being felt since rust has not caused yield loss in the northern regions, but there is a recognition that continued monitoring is important. In 2008, soybean rust was found in the northern states of Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri. Led by Ohio State University, the new edition of Using Foliar Fungicides to Manage Soybean Rust was published and is available at http://oardc.osu.edu/soyrust/. All information soybean rust monitoring is available through the national website, http://www.sbrusa.net.

    Fungicide seed treatments: Trials have been conducted in most states to look at the effectiveness of fungicide seed treatments. To date, most results have suggested that fungicide seed treatments do not have an effect on yield, except in fields with high Phytophthora pressure and favorable conditions for infection to occur shortly after planting.

    Foliar fungicides: Numerous trials were conducted in all states to improve the understanding of if and when foliar fungicides will be effective for soybean production. Multiple trials were conducted in southern states with the focus on soybean rust control. Currently, data is being compiled from 16 states (132 trials) to examine the relative efficacy of main products applied at the R3 growth stage.

    Summary of Discussion Topics

    (i) USB Priorities: Current funded projects include research on SCN, Fusarium root rot, Asian soybean rust, Phytophthora sojae, Charcoal rot, and Sudden death syndrome. Emerging issues include the use of genomic tools and biotechnology to expedite breeding, new disease and insect management strategies (including genetic resources), crop tolerance to environmental stress, crop management practices to reduce production costs and protect the environment, enhancing oil and meal quality traits, and attracting and training a new generation of soybean researchers, especially those focused on breeding.

    (ii) ISA/NCSRP Priorities: The two groups do not necessarily have the same priorities. Currently, the breakeven point for most growers in $9.86 to $10.12 per bushel. The biggest issues currently are the rising input costs, yield, and the effects of diseases and insects on yield. Especially important for many growers is to improve the incorporation of new pathogen biology into the production environment. Right now, SCN does not seem to be on the mind of many producers, especially since the majority use a resistant soybean variety (i.e., have the perception of managing the disease). The greatest need continues to be for Universities to keep positions open for soybean research and extension. At NCSRP, there has been a change in much of the Board Membership, indicating that there may be some changes in future focus for research and extension.

    (iii) White Paper Discussion: The white paper was published for use in June 2007. One criticism of the paper is that there are no names attached to the document, however, it is recognized that the main sections were written by the expert for each pathogen/disease topic. Continuing the a discussion from the 2008 meeting in St. Louis: do we need a one-page cover? Given the increase in use of foliar fungicides, the group felt it was important to expand the section on foliar diseases. Another question that was discussed was if we needed to prioritize topics, especially to improve material on the basic biology for many of the pathosystems?

    (iv) Standard Methods for Rating Foliar Diseases: Discussion focused on how to adapt our ratings to provide a practical application for growers. Different examples were illustrated and the group agreed to share their different rating systems. This information will be compiled and provided to consultants. Main questions that require further discussion include: how best to standardize ratings, whether rating scales should be used, and how to assess the entire plant canopy.

    (v) Soybean Rust Concerns: Since the discovery of soybean rust in 2004, there has been a massive effort to both monitor and conduct research on soybean rust. Has the effort been well received? Based on surveys from Iowa, 98.5% of surveyed participants (mostly industry and consultants) keep track of rust and use multiple sources like University Extension, ipmPIPE, and other sources. Fifty three percent of survey participants have found the ipmPIPE very useful and 47% have found it somewhat useful. Over half (53%) have used the ipmPIPE to make decisions to not apply a foliar fungicide and most appear concerned of the potential impacts of discontinuing funding and the ipmPIPE. Many questions still remain regarding the efficacy of foliar fungicides, detection methods like ELISA, PCR, QT-PCR, the use of resistance (including single gene and partial), and pathogen biology and genetic variation.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Since the discovery soybean rust in the U.S. in 2004, there has been an unprecedented national response to this disease. The success of the ipmPIPE can be illustrated through recent surveys indicating that most surveyed participants find this website very useful and are greatly concerned that funding would be cut such that the website would not be able to continue. Furthermore, the link between research and extension continues to provide timely information that has been used to make better management decisions, especially for the use of foliar fungicides. This has also led to the publication of Using Foliar Fungicides to Manage Soybean Rust that has been available since 2008.
    2. Soybean cyst nematode continues to be the number one threat to soybean production in the United States. Furthermore, there is growing recognition that many stakeholders do not have SCN as their primary concern for production. In 2008, a multi-state project commenced to examine the effect of different sources of resistance on SCN populations. Results from year one are currently being compiled and analyzed. A second year for this project has been proposed. Another component of this project is a large outreach effort to reinvigorate stakeholders regarding the importance of sampling and testing for SCN, and managing this disease through resistance and rotation.
    3. Sudden death syndrome remains a threat to soybean production in many states. There is a large cooperative effort to improve screening for sources of resistance and greenhouse and field screening methods. Results from this research will greatly improve the management of SDS.
    4. Interactions between soilborne pathogens are a critical component to improved soybean yields. Interactions between organisms like SCN and soilborne fungi can have a great impact on production. Currently, there is a large amount of research across the region to examine interactions between nematodes and fungi and also fungal-fungal interactions. There is recognition that we need to continue to improve of our understanding of the impact of Fusarium spp. on soybean in much of the region and multi-state projects to study these organisms are ongoing.
    5. There is an increased concern that foliar fungicide use across the major field crops may have a long-term detrimental impact on field crop production and the environment. Research is continuing to combine data from different fungicide trials in order to improve the understanding of the risk factors that may contribute to the need for a foliar fungicide in soybean. Many members of this committee have also expressed concerned with the approved Plant Health label for some foliar fungicides and further discussion is warranted on this topic.
    Last Modified: 24-Mar-2009
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