Which disease can be exacerbated by poor soil health and is a concern for mid to late season soybeans?

Charcoal rot is a soil-borne disease caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, which thrives in warm, dry conditions and is particularly problematic for mid to late season soybeans. Poor soil health can exacerbate the effects of this disease by creating an environment that is conducive to its development. Factors such as reduced soil fertility, inadequate moisture retention, and lack of beneficial microbial activity can weaken soybean plants, making them more susceptible to infections.

When soil health is compromised, plants may experience stress that can lower their resistance to diseases like charcoal rot. This disease leads to symptoms that typically appear during periods of drought stress, where the fungus attacks the stem and roots, leading to wilting and ultimately reduced yields. Focusing on improving soil health through practices such as crop rotation, proper fertilization, and maintaining soil moisture can help mitigate the risk of charcoal rot in soybean crops.

In contrast, while other choices like downy mildew, green mold, and powdery mildew can affect soybeans, they are not particularly linked to poor soil health in the same way, nor are they specifically of significant concern during the mid to late season in the same context as charcoal rot.