Soybean farmers alert! 4 diseases may spread amid rainfall - know the symptoms and recommended fungicide dosages

Soybean crops in Madhya Pradesh have entered the flowering and pod formation stage, a critical period when prolonged rainfall and excess moisture can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Agricultural experts have advised farmers to regularly inspect their fields and take appropriate control measures as soon as disease symptoms appear.

Farmers have been specifically advised to watch for charcoal rot, collar rot, pod blight and Rhizoctonia aerial blight. Early identification and timely management can help reduce potential crop losses.

Pod Blight: Risk May Increase with Continuous Rainfall:

• The risk of pod blight may rise when fields remain excessively wet following continuous rainfall. The disease is associated with fungal pathogens that can be seed- and soil-borne, making crop monitoring particularly important during pod formation.
• The recommended fungicide options include: Tebuconazole 25.9% EC: 625 ml per hectare, Tebuconazole 10% + Sulphur 65%: 1.25 kg per hectare. Farmers should follow the prescribed application method and product label instructions before spraying.

Rhizoctonia Aerial Blight: Watch for Brownish-Red Spots:

• Warm and humid conditions can favor the development of Rhizoctonia aerial blight. The disease is associated with soil- and seed-borne fungal pathogens.
• One of the noticeable symptoms is the appearance of small to large brownish-red, oval-shaped spots, particularly on the lower surface of leaves.
• Recommended fungicide options include: Tebuconazole 10% + Sulphur 65%: 1.25 kg per hectare, Pyraclostrobin 20% WG: 500 g per hectare. Charcoal Rot: Yellowing Leaves Can Be an Early Warning Sign
• Charcoal rot can cause soybean leaves to become smaller and yellow, followed by browning as the infection progresses. Affected plants may gradually weaken.
• For management, the recommendation provided is: Pyraclostrobin 333 g/L SC: 300 g per hectare. The fungicide should be diluted in water and applied according to the recommended procedure and product label.

Collar Rot: High-Risk Conditions during Warm and Humid Weather:

• Warm and humid conditions can also favor collar rot. In affected plants, rotting and wilting symptoms may develop around the stem and collar region. Under severe infection, plants may wilt and collapse.
• Small, round reddish-brown sclerotia, resembling mustard seeds, may also be visible on infected plant parts.
• Recommended fungicide options include: Pyraclostrobin 163 g/L + Epoxiconazole 50 g/L SE: 750 ml per hectare, Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63%: 1.25 kg per hectare. 

What Should Soybean Farmers Do?

At the flowering and pod formation stage, farmers should inspect their soybean fields regularly and carefully monitor leaves, stems and pods for unusual symptoms. If disease symptoms are detected, farmers should first ensure correct disease identification before selecting and applying a fungicide. Unnecessary or incorrect spraying should be avoided.
Farmers should also prevent prolonged waterlogging and excessive moisture in the field wherever possible. For crop-specific recommendations, they should consult the local agriculture department or agricultural experts.

Important Note: The fungicides and dosages mentioned above are based on the recommendations provided in the source information. Before application, farmers should verify the latest local agricultural advisory and the product label for crop registration, target disease, dosage, application method and other regulatory requirements.

FAQs:

1. Which soybean diseases are currently a concern in Madhya Pradesh?
Charcoal rot, collar rot, pod blight and Rhizoctonia aerial blight are important diseases to monitor.

2. When does the risk of soybean diseases increase?
Continuous rainfall, excess moisture, warm temperatures and high humidity can increase disease risk.

3. What are the symptoms of Rhizoctonia aerial blight?
Brownish-red oval spots, particularly on the lower surface of leaves, can be a noticeable symptom.

4. Can farmers spray fungicides without identifying the disease?
No. Farmers should first identify the disease correctly and follow the latest local agricultural advisory and product label.

5. What should farmers do after continuous rainfall?
Regularly inspect the crop, avoid prolonged waterlogging where possible and seek advice from local agricultural experts if symptoms appear.