Update:

Soilborne pathogens and other organisms are being identified from samples collected in 2013. This information plus the species identified in 2012 are guiding the researchers to develop a quick molecular identification tool that will be available to the industry. Many species of Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, and Pythium are being evaluated for the ability to cause disease. For several pathogens environmental conditions and cropping practices were identified that increase or decrease disease severity. Researchers are perfecting techniques to isolate organisms, inoculation assays and identifying better inoculum carriers. Several methods are working very well. The goal of these efforts is to develop protocols for soybean germplasm screening. In one example, results from field trials for Rhizoctonia solani are being used to develop greenhouse assays that will allow researchers to develop mapping populations so resistance genes can be found in the future.

Baselines fungicide sensitivities were established to determine if pathogens are developing resistance to fungicides over time. Researchers in this project are finding species of Fusarium and Pythium that are not sensitive to major fungicides. Researchers also found that a range of temperatures can affect Pythium species, allowing them to be less sensitive to fungicides.

This project has led to increased communication and coordination among universities and has enabled this team to make significant progress. Extension and outreach efforts are well underway, and will delivery new and innovative educational videos and other media.