Soybean root and stem diseases are caused by multiple pathogens that can occur at the same time, creating complex challenges to growers. This makes diagnosis difficult and highlights the need for advanced solutions that enable rapid and accurate identification of these important soybean diseases. Pathogen detection using molecular techniques serve as reliable tools to distinguish between diseases with similar or overlapping symptoms and detect pathogens at early plant stages sometimes before visible symptoms appear. Furthermore, these advanced methods also allow for simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens, eliminating the need for separate tests and saving both time and resources. Accurate diagnoses enable farmers to make timely, informed decisions, ensuring that management strategies are applied only when necessary, reducing production costs. The Plant Diagnostic Lab at North Dakota State University aim to seamlessly integrate these advanced tools into our services, effectively providing farmers with diagnostic tools needed for managing soybean diseases. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality diagnostics and timely communication, helping farmers make proactive choices and stay informed about both prevalent and emerging soybean diseases in the state. Through these concerted efforts, we aim to strengthen diagnostic capabilities and disseminate research-based knowledge on soybean diseases, directly benefiting North Dakota's soybean growers. Our overarching goal is to equip farmers with the tools and information needed to safeguard their crops, reduce losses, and enhance the sustainability and profitability of their operations.

The objectives of this project are to: 1) Develop and validate molecular assays for simultaneous detection of multiple soybean root and stem rot pathogens, and 2) Communicate information to soybean growers by providing diagnostic reports and extension materials.

The project deliverables are as follows: 1) Diagnostic tests developed through this project will be incorporated into the diagnostic toolkit available to growers through the NDSU Plant Diagnostic Lab, and 2) Extension materials on soybean diseases will be distributed to growers during the winter meetings and will be available for walk-in clients on campus.

Our research will provide highly specific and accurate identification of soybean pathogens, reducing the risk of misdiagnosing. By allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens will save time and resources compared to individual testing. Moreover, molecular diagnostics can detect pathogens at an early stage and identify the major root rot pathogens impacting soybean production. As a result, disease accurate and timely disease diagnosis will equip North Dakota farmers with crucial information, allowing them to make informed decisions on disease management strategies that minimize yield losses and enhance overall profitability.