Michigan State University researchers are asking for help to collect soybean sudden death syndrome samples from throughout Michigan.

Graduate student Ryan Hamilton is working on the Michigan Soybean Committee-supported project to monitor fungicide resistance in fusarium virguliforme, the causal agent of sudden death syndrome.

Soybean sudden death syndrome, also known as SDS, is one of the most significant yield-reducing diseases of soybeans in North America. The presence of sudden death syndrome was confirmed in Michigan for the first time in 2010 and severe disease can result in yield loss greater than 50%.

The most noticeable symptoms of SDS appear on leaves in the late vegetative through early reproductive growth stages, usually late July through August, and may be worsened by heavy rain. Leaf symptoms begin as yellow spots between the leaf veins. As sudden death syndrome develops, these yellow spots turn brown, resulting in a mottled appearance while the leaf veins remain green. Shortly after, the leaves die and drop to the ground, while the petiole remains attached. Affected plants appear stripped, and pods and beans may be aborted.

Foliar fungicide applications have no effect against F. virguliforme, but fungicidal seed treatments (ILeVO and Saltro) have been effective in preventing root infection and sudden death syndrome development later in the season. Because approved seed treatment for prevention of SDS share the same mode of action, monitoring for fungicide resistance is essential for effective long-term management.

Michigan State University Extension is conducting a study to detect fungicide resistance to the seed treatments currently in use. MSUE seeks help to collect soybean sudden death syndrome samples throughout the state. If you have seen sudden death syndrome symptoms in your fields, collect about six whole plants that have shown sudden death syndrome symptoms and allow them to air-dry in a paper bag. After the plants are dry, the fungus in the roots will be stable, and they can be shipped here:

Chilvers Lab

Attn: Ryan Hamilton – SDS Project

578 Wilson Road, CIPS 107

East Lansing, MI 48824

Along with the samples, include the following information:

• Name and email address.

• Nearest town and/or county.

• History of SDS and/or soybean cyst nematodes in your fields.

• Name of seed treatment used.

For additional information regarding soybean SDS, visit the Crop Protection Network’s resource page, bit.ly/3yT5jrw

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: News