Iowa soybean growers are on the lookout for a number of diseases just as most plants are setting pods. Sudden death syndrome in soybeans is being reported in many parts of Iowa. Todd Claussen, director of agronomy for Ames-based Landus Cooperative, says infected beans will shut down early. “They’ll senesce early and they’ll drop leaves faster,” Claussen says. “You can’t do anything with it now, but as you move into next season you have to think about the history of a specific farm. One, you start with genetics, and two, you can treat with a soybean seed treatment that is highly effective.”

Soybean aphids are also starting to show up in greater numbers, according to Claussen. “Aphids like it mild. They like 77-78 degrees — their reproduction will go through the roof if that be the case,” Claussen said. “We are ramping up and have expectations to pull that trigger here rather soon.” White mold could also be a problem for soybean growers this year, according to Claussen.

The latest U-S-D-A report rated 82 percent of Iowa’s soybeans in good to excellent condition. Monday’s report found 94 percent of the state’s soybeans were blooming, which is six days ahead of last year. Seventy-nine percent of soybeans were setting pods, about one week ahead of normal.

(Radio Iowa/Brownfield Ag Network)