The completion of the proposed objectives will improve our understanding of the different pathogenic species that cause seedling diseases and root rot of soybean, and the relative importance of these species in the different soybean growing regions. This research will also provide insight regarding the aggressiveness of these pathogens under different environmental conditions. A collection of characterized isolates of pathogens that cause seedling diseases will be cataloged. This work will also validate use of culture-independent techniques to generate profiles of pathogens inhabiting soils and soybean seedlings from fields with high incidence of seedling diseases. Field conditions (moisture, temperature and chemical properties) that favor seedling diseases will also be identified.