Sudden Death Syndrome can cause early leaf necrosis and defoliation.

The wet start to the 2019 season created the ideal environment for the development and spread of soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). SDS thrives under cool, wet conditions at planting, and heavy rains and warm temperatures at flowering encourage symptoms to appear. With those factors in mind, 2019 was ripe for SDS to appear in soybean fields across the Midwest.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln says SDS pressure was widespread through NE in 2019, and the University of Minnesota Extension says the disease was significant in scattered fields across the state after being favored by the wet weather.

According to the United Soybean Board, SDS can cause an estimated annual yield loss of $25 million, so it is important to be on guard and prepared to protect against the disease at planting. Although foliar symptoms don’t appear until late August, the SDS pathogen infects soybean seedlings, so taking preventive steps is crucial in defending your yield.

Here are some options to consider for managing SDS infection:

• Scout fields to see where the hot spots might be during the next season.
• After harvest, have soil tested for soybean cyst nematode (SCN), as there is a known link between SDS and SCN.
• Reduce soil compaction.
• Plant SDS- and SCN-resistant soybean varieties to help reduce disease severity.
• Plant fields without a history of SDS first.
• Use an SDS seed treatment.

Now you have a better option for SDS protection in 2020 to help your soybeans reach their maximum yield potential. Saltro® fungicide seed treatment delivers superior SDS protection without the stress. With more power to protect against the cause of SDS than older seed treatments, and robust activity on nematodes, Saltro will help soybeans start and finish next season stronger.

Sign up for the Know More, Grow More Digest to receive twice-monthly agronomic e-mail updates pertinent to your area.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

Syngenta hereby disclaims any liability for Third Party websites referenced herein.