A University of Nebraska-Lincoln plant expert is urging soybean growers to stay vigilant for stem and root rots, including white mold. Plant pathologist Loren Giesler says the rots continue to be a problem in Nebraska soybean fields. Giesler says growers have reported white mold in several fields in northern Nebraska.
Giesler says all soybean infections typically start at a node. The cool, wet conditions that occurred during this year's flowering were favorable for infections and fungus growth. Giesler says he's received several calls about whether a fungicide should be applied. He says there's no good data to know for sure, but there may be some benefit in treating infections that are widespread.