A soybean expert from the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences reported that extreme weather has caused an alarming increase in soybean diseases in various Ohio farmlands. Anne Dorrance, plant pathologist of Ohio State University, added that soybeans have become susceptible to illnesses this year than in previous years.

Dorrance emphasized the need for farmers to scout their fields more to know what kind of diseases may be affecting their plants. This will help them in knowing how to handle the situation and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Although there are many diseases spreading across many farmlands due to extreme weather, most of these illnesses are manageable.

Dorrance pointed out that “The key is to know where the pockets of diseases are. So it’s important to scout your fields to take a good, hard look at how things are going. Once you know what pathogens are in your field, then you can make better choices in variety selection and crop rotation, which are two key management elements.”

Learn more about what diseases soybean plants may be susceptible to by clicking here.

Posted in extreme weather