Which of the following is NOT an early season soybean disease caused by soil-borne fungi?

Hemlock blight is not an early season soybean disease caused by soil-borne fungi because it primarily affects hemlock trees, particularly eastern and western hemlock species. The pathogens responsible for hemlock blight are not associated with soybean crops and do not impact soybean plants in the same way that soil-borne fungi do.

In contrast, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Pythium are all well-documented soil-borne fungi that can cause diseases in soybeans during the early growing season. Rhizoctonia leads to damping-off and root rot conditions, Fusarium can cause Fusarium wilt and seedling blight, and Pythium is associated with root rot and seed decay. Understanding the specific pathogens that affect soybeans is crucial for managing soil health and disease resistance in crops.