• Generate tools to study C. sojina and C. flagellaris.
• Identify genes or gene variants unique to specific races of C. sojina and C. flagellaris. The information generated will help develop more efficient variety screening programs for breeders that rely more on the use of molecular markers. This will alleviate the current need in breeding programs for extensive phenotyping using plant differentials, which is very time consuming and labor intensive.
• Deliver recommendations for optimum tissue levels of iron and other minor elements to manage CLB.
• Complete an initial survey of strobilurin-fungicide-resistant strains of C. sojina, C. flagellaris, and S. glycines across the participating states.
• Update fungicide recommendations to management of C. sojina and C. flagellaris in consideration of fungicide- resistant strains.
• Screen a collection of commercial varieties and public lines for resistance to frogeye leaf spot and to Cercospora leaf blight.
• Provide an estimate of the effect of SVNV incidence on yield and evaluate soybean germplasm for resistance to thrips and SVNV.
• Integrate research results and communicate disease management recommendations to producers, researchers, extension agents, and crop advisors.