Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae

Diaporthe_phaseolorum_var._sojae

Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae

Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae is a plant pathogen that causes soybean stem canker, a destructive disease affecting soybean crops worldwide. This fungal pathogen primarily infects soybean plants, leading to significant yield losses if not managed effectively.

Symptoms

Infected soybean plants exhibit symptoms such as stem cankers, wilting, yellowing of leaves, and premature defoliation. Stem cankers caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae are characterized by sunken, dark lesions on the stems, which can girdle the plant and disrupt nutrient transport.

Disease Cycle

Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae survives in infected plant debris and soil, where it can persist for multiple seasons. The pathogen produces spores that are spread through rain splash, wind, and agricultural practices. Infection typically occurs through wounds on the plant, allowing the fungus to enter and colonize the soybean tissues.

Management

Effective management strategies for soybean stem canker caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae include crop rotation, planting resistant cultivars, and fungicide applications. Crop rotation with non-host plants can help reduce pathogen populations in the soil. Planting soybean cultivars with genetic resistance to the disease is an important component of integrated disease management. Fungicides can also be used to protect soybean plants from infection, especially during periods of high disease pressure.

Research

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the genetic diversity of Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae populations, developing molecular diagnostic tools for early detection, and exploring novel control methods to mitigate the impact of soybean stem canker on crop production.

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