2019
Soybean Production Systems to Control Charcoal Rot and Other Soil-borne Diseases
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Crop protectionDiseaseField management
Lead Principal Investigator:
Gretchen Sassenrath, Kansas State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Xiaomao Lin, Kansas State University
Christopher Little, Kansas State University
Kraig Roozeboom, Kansas State University
+2 More
Project Code:
1973
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Leveraged Funding (Non-Checkoff):
USDA AFRI project "Improved integrated management of a soil-borne disease" application submitted; in review
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Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:

The main objective for this project is demonstrating best management practices for implementing mustard cover crop to control charcoal rot in soybeans. Different methods of managing the mustard residue will be tested to determine the best method of controlling soil-borne fungal pathogens. Four different methods will be used to determine how to manage the soybean residue for optimal pathogen control. Researchers will also explore the mechanism of charcoal rot infection in soybean roots. Mustard will be grown to provide a biocontrol, and soil will be inoculated with M. phaseolina to provide high background amounts of the fungus.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, ag retailers, extension specialists

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Identification of cover crops for use in biocontrol of soil-borne diseases and development of guidelines for economical use of cover crops will assist producers in controlling fungal diseases in soybean. The impact of fungicide use on yield and net return will be determined, and guidelines developed. The interaction between soil health and fungal pressure will be assessed and alternative methods of improving soil health for optimal soybean production, yield components, and net return developed. The economic impact of management choices will assist producers in choosing economically viable production systems.
This research is a component of a research project exploring the mechanisms defining how soil health impacts crop production and plant disease. The research team has developed a proposal to leverage KSC funding with national funding through USDA-NIFA. The research is exploring the interactions between soil health and crop performance, developing alternative methods to control crop diseases and establish naturally disease-suppressive soils through cultural practices.
This research will also contribute to a study examining the potential for cover crops to control the soil-borne fungus Fusarium virguiliforme that causes sudden death syndrome, in collaboration with another Kansas Soybean Commission funded project (C. Little). Overall soil health and nutrient status will be measured in collaboration with Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz.

Final Project Results

Update:

View uploaded report PDF file

Charcoal rot fungus was reduced in plots using a high-glucosinolate mustard as a cover crop. The greatest reduction in disease was observed with minimal disturbance of the cover crop.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.