The biggest disadvantage of planting soybeans after soybeans will ultimately be the potential for increases in disease as well as soybean cyst nematode (SCN) populations:
- Soilborne diseases such as Pythium and Phytophthora (oomycetes) don’t necessarily increase when soybeans are planted after soybeans, but they are something you will need to contend with, especially if fields are stressed, low-lying or have poor drainage. Use seed treatments with both metalaxyl or ethaboxam for early season oomycetes. Soybean varieties can have different Phytophthora ratings and different Phytophthora genes, so make sure the variety has a good Phytophthora score.
- The greatest threat will be the buildup of soybean cyst nematodes and a soybean cyst nematode test could be in order. In limited cases you could rotate to a soybean variety with Peking soybean cyst resistance, but most soybean varieties will consist of the PI 88788 resistance. There can be different levels of the PI 88788 resistance in different soybean varieties. Ultimately, a seed treatment is recommended for early season SCN control.
- Diseases that overwinter in soybean residue such as bacterial blight, stem canker, pod and stem blight, Septoria brown spot and frogeye leafspot could be more severe in soybeans planted after soybeans. Soybean varieties will differ in their susceptibility to these diseases. Fungicide application may be warranted at R3 subject to the environment and disease score.
- Fields with a history of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and white mold could be a major issue depending on the environment and disease rating on soybean varieties. Use a seed treatment such as VOTiVO® and ILeVO® from Bayer CropScience to protect against SDS and SCN. Reduce plant populations or apply a fungicide at R1 to help reduce the risk in fields with a history of white mold.
If you are considering planting a field back to soybeans, remember to be ‘on your game.’ You can score big if you select a different soybean variety to defend against potential diseases.
Stephanie Porter is a Sales Agronomist with Burrus® Hybrids with responsibilities that include educating growers and Burrus staff on all types of pests, weeds, diseases and other agronomic issues that affect corn, soybean and alfalfa production. Her territory encompasses Southern Wisconsin as well as Northern, Eastern and Southern Illinois.
About the Author: Stephanie Porter
As Outreach Agronomist for the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), Stephanie supports research efforts and helps communicate both in-field and edge-of-field research and validation studies to Illinois 43,000 soybean farmers. She also helps lead the demonstration and adoption of conservation agriculture practices and raises awareness of best management and continuous improvement practices for conservation agriculture in Illinois.
Stephanie has 23 years of experience that consists of agronomy, conservation, horticulture, plant diagnostics, and education. She has her bachelor’s in crop science and master’s in plant pathology from the University of Illinois. Stephanie is a Certified Crop Advisor and was named the 2018 Illinois Certified Crop Adviser Master Soybean Advisor. She also has experience with corn and soybean pathology research, crop scouting, soil testing, as well as crop consulting. Previously, she utilized her diagnostic training and collaborated with University of Illinois departmental Extension Specialists to diagnose plant health problems and prepare written responses describing the diagnosis and management recommendations as the University of Illinois Plant Clinic.
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