Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The meeting of the NCERA 212: Soybean Diseases Committee was held at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front Hotel, March 9, 2011. The meeting was held in conjunction with the Southern Soybean Disease Workers (SSDW) meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 am by Chair, Leonor Leandro (Iowa State University). The meeting began with introductions of everyone in attendance.

Brief oral reports on the status of the soybean crop and prevalent diseases were given for each state with a member in attendance. Written reports were also provide and compiled into a PDF document. This document is attached for your information and records.

Daren Mueller and Kiersten Wise presented an update on a new field crops fungicide publication that is tentatively titled, Fungicides in Field Crops. The goal of this new publication is to update and merge two key publications: Field crop fungicides for the North Central United States (2008; http://www.iasoybeans.com/productionresearch/publications/fieldcropfungicides/fieldcropfungicides.pdf), and Using Foliar Fungicides to Manage Soybean Rust (2007; http://oardc.osu.edu/soyrust). The goal of this manual is to provide an updated reference for crop advisors, pesticide applicators, extension educators and other agribusiness personnel. Chapters in the new manual will cover the basics of fungicide usage and application, the decision process to apply a fungicide, fungicide resistance and the FRAC code, conducting on-farm fungicide trials, etc. Nick Dufault, Carl Bradley, and Marty Chilvers are also authors on this publication. A final version is in progress, and states were surveyed to determine how many each would want, and if there were potential funding sources to use for publication costs. There was discussion about various funding sources that Daren and Kiersten will pursue. A list of images needed for the publication will be sent to the group for contributions.

Loren Geisler presented data on fungicide and insecticide research trials conducted in Nebraska. The trend from this data set indicates that a fungicide and insecticide application can increase yield by an average of 2.1 bu/A with a fungicide, and 4.1 bu/A with a fungicides plus insecticide. Tom Allen presented similar soybean fungicide research conducted in Mississippi. Fungicides applied at R3-R4 gave a return on investment approximately 50-60% of the time in these trials. There was discussion about similar trends observed in Iowa and Canada, and the potential impact of soybean cyst nematode on a fungicide yield response. Loren suggested pooling data and looking at these sets to determine a frequency response from a fungicide. This issue prompted discussion of fungicide resistance to strobilurin fungicides, and the appropriate way to recommend fungicide use in soybeans. The consensus was that fungicides should be recommended for disease control and Extension personnel should educate producers about limitations of fungicides and fungicide resistance management.

Leonor Leandro provided an update on research examining the frequency of Fusarium species and their association with soybean roots in Iowa. F. oxysporum, F. acuminatum, and F. solani were the most prevalent species each year. Isolates varied in aggressiveness in greenhouse studies, and research was initiated to look at genetic diversity within isolates of F. oxysporum. Field microplot studies were initiated and inoculated with various isolates, however no yield impact was observed from isolates in any year, despite noticeable root rot symptoms. were observed, but no impact on yield in field. Dean Malvick presented similar research conducted in Minnesota. Over 95% of all isolates collected in this study were Fusarium species. He identified them morphologically and genetically, and determined that F. oxysporum and F. solani were the dominant species identified in both years. Isolates were also found that were not pathogenic on soybean. Field microplot studies indicated significant damage at seedling stage, but plants were unaffected at later growth stages, and appeared to grow out of symptoms. There was no indication that fungicide seed treatments are effective at managing root rots. The following group discussion on root rots led to questions about the importance of root rots and the impact on yield.

Jason Bond presented an update on a project to identify seedling pathogens of soybean. The goal of this project is to identify organisms and improve genetic diagnostic tools for ID of fungal seedling pathogens. In addition, this project will characterize pathogenicity and aggressiveness of isolates, screen for sensitivity to seed treatment fungicides, and examine environmental conditions and production practices that favor Pythium and Rhizoctonia. This project will be underway this summer and data will be provided next year.

Jason Bond also presented an update a comprehensive management program for foliar diseases of soybean, including frogeye leaf spot, brown spot, and Cercospora leaf blight. This project will characterize population diversity, race structure, and the influence of host resistance on management of C. sojina. In addition, they will monitor for fungicide resistance, and determine a baseline sensitivity of the pathogens for triazoles. Varieties will be identified with resistance to FLS and brown spot, and examine efficacy of fungicides for Phomopsis. The goal is to develop a soybean foliar disease prediction system for these three foliar diseases, and update outreach material for foliar diseases.

Scott Isard gave an update on the IPM PIPE and the soybean rust (SBR) monitoring program. This year, SBR monitoring will occur in gulf coast states, SC, and OK. Monitoring for frogeye leaf spot (FLS) will also occur this year. There will also be an option for confirming where FLS-fungicide resistant isolates have been detected. There was discussion on if industry and independent crop consultants should have access to post disease observations onto the PIPE. There were many pros and cons discussed, and it was determined that prior to industry confirmations and entry into the site, samples must be diagnosed and confirmed by an independent diagnostic lab that is capable of issuing phytosanitary certificates.

Don Hershman provided an update on Cercospora sojina nomenclature. Liiterature in mycological societies indicated that the name should be changed to Passalora sojina based on conidia shape and conidial scars, and this change was initiated in 1996. Additional email discussion after the meeting confirmed that the correct nomenclature is still Cercospora, and the NCERA members should still use C. sojina to refer to frogeye leaf spot. Tom Allen mentioned the viral disease Soybean necrotic vein virus (SNVV), which is thrips vectored and present in south and mid-south. The disease has been confirmed in east as well now. Although it is present, it is not clear if it is a yield-limiting disease. Don Hershman mentioned collaborating on an Extension publication on this issue.

Martin Chilvers updated the group on the USDA Oomycete CAP project which surveyed 12 states in 2011. Of these surveys, 43 Pythium species were found, and only two Phytophthora species were observed. The group is working on finding high-throughput molecular diagnostic techniques to speed identification. Pathogenicity assays will be performed.

Leonor Leandro called the business meeting to order at 4:10 PM.

Steve Slack gave an administrative update and provided information about the Federal budget. Steve mentioned that the meeting was productive and this group should use their connections to disseminate information through new technology, like app development and smartphone technology. In future planning, the group should evaluate projects when putting the program together to aid in reporting. The group has had good participation and reviews, and needs to update the current roster. The objectives should be reviewed and changes and new avenues should be emphasized. The project will need to be updated and revised in 2014, and planning for the rewrite should begin in the coming year. The Federal budget has had changes that were expected. Smith-Lever and Hatch funds were reduced by 1.5 million. Overall, total funds for research and extension will be similar, but some budget lines were rearranged, which increases money for research, but rearranges all IPM and IR4 programs into a single crop protection budget line. This new budget could be approved by August, however the expectation is that all focus will be on elections and there is uncertainty if the budget should be passed prior to election.

Leonor Leandro discussed minutes from 2011 and asked for corrections or additions. Loren Geisler motioned to approve the minutes, and Daren Mueller seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved.

Nominations for the NCERA 212 secretary for 2013 (chair for 2014) were opened. Dean Malvick nominated Marty Chilvers and Carl Bradley moved to close nominations. Marty Chilvers was unanimously elected as the secretary of NCERA 212 for 2013, and chair for 2014. Plans for the 2013 meeting were discussed. The 2013 meeting has traditionally been held with the Soybean Breeders meeting in St. Louis. Loren Geisler motioned to meet with this group, and Teresa Hughes seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved to meet with this group in 2013. Loren Geisler posed the question about an additional workshop for this meeting that would include breeding technicians to discuss disease screening and rating methods. Loren Geisler will contact group to see if there is interest, and the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting reconvened at 8:15 AM on Wednesday morning, March 7th, with a discussion of soybean cyst nematodes.

Vincent Klink of Mississippi State University presented an update on molecular interactions of nematode parasitism with SCN, and Greg Tylka addressed the impact of soil moisture on SCN development, and an update on SCN seed treatments. Greg also gave an update on the SCN seed treatments. There was a discussion on efficacy of products, timings, and ratings for SCN and seed treatments.

NCERA 212 Impact Statement: Soybean production continues to play a prominent role in US agriculture. It is the number one crop in terms of harvested acres in several North Central states and second only to corn in value of production. The 2010 cash market value of soybeans increased 32 percent from 29.5 billion to 38.9 billion dollars. With rising production value, new markets for green energy, and soybean oil replacing crude oil in industrial processes, there is a greater demand to improve yield and quality. Soybean yields have remained steady since 2002, with average yields of 43.3 and 43.5 bu/A reported for 2009 and 2010, respectively (USDA Crop Production Report, Feb 2011). The frequency and spread of soybean diseases has played a role in these stagnant yields in several production areas within the North Central region.

Our mission: The NCERA 212 Committee monitors the development of soybean diseases and directs science-based information to breeders and agricultural companies across the US. The committee has a system of rapid exchange of information about current and emerging pathogen issues that helps mitigate yield losses and assists growers and companies in cost savings.

1. Foster collaborative research and information exchange on soybean diseases among scientists in the north central region including soybean breeders and entomologists that will lead to improved disease screening protocols, additional sources of disease resistance genes and ultimately, improved host plant resistance.

Accomplishments for objective 1:

a) The 2012 NCERA 212 meeting was held in conjunction with the Southern Soybean Disease Workers (SSDW). Meeting jointly with the southern soybean scientists improves the exchange of information and ideas, which helps foster collaborative research projects.

b) Members of NCERA 212 participated in the planning of the 2013 joint meeting with the SSDW and (possibly) the nematology committee. This meeting will allow the exchange of information across university scientists, industry personnel, and producers, which will ultimately help improve management of diseases.

c) Members of the NCERA 212 discussed initiating a summary and analysis of soybean fungicide data.

d) Discussion at the 2012 NCERA 212 meeting may lead to the planning of additional soybean disease meetings.

2. Evaluate the impacts of changing production practices such as earlier planting dates, new sources of host plant resistance, increased use of fungicide seed treatments and foliar fungicides, and other new or improved crop production technologies on soybean diseases.

Accomplishments for objective 2

a) Members of the NCERA 212 are working collaboratively to evaluate the effectiveness of seed treatments and fungicide applications against soybean pathogens. Loren Giesler presented a summary of fungicide and fungicide + insecticide applications on yield and disease control in soybean.

b) Members of NCERA 212 Daren Mueller (Iowa State), Kiersten Wise (Purdue) and Nick Dufault (Florida) have led the efforts to develop a field crop fungicide guide, that will have soybean diseases and fungicide recommendations included in the document. This publication is in collaboration with SSDW and NCERA 208 (soybean rust working group), and will replace the national Soybean Rust Compendium.

c) Leonor Leandro and Dean Malvick summarized research on the diversity and importance of Fusarium pathogens in Iowa and Minnesota.

3. Develop research projects to study the ecology and epidemiology of soybean diseases important in the north central region.

Accomplishments for objective 3

a) NCERA 212 members are working collaboratively on on-going multi-state research projects focused on sudden death syndrome, soybean cyst nematode, soybean rust, frogeye leaf spot, and charcoal rot.

b) Martin Chilvers presented an update on a multi-state research/extension project focused on root rot pathogens.

c) Jason Bond discussed the initiation of projects to characterize populations of soil-borne soybean pathogens, and develop diagnostic tools to rapidly identify these pathogens.

4. Improve knowledge transfer about soybean diseases and their management in the North Central Region to researchers, Extension faculty, producers and the agribusiness community through the use of web sites, podcasts and other new technologies as they are developed.

Accomplishments for objective 4

a) Members of the NCERA 212 were involved with an updated Management of White Mold guide that included an Extension bulletin and podcast series.

b) Members of NCERA 212 participated in developing new webcasts for the Focus on Soybean section of the Plant Management Network (www.plantmanagementnetwork.com).

c) Jason Bond initiated discussion on updating Extension resources for diseases of soybean, including root rots, and frogeye leaf spot.

5. Continue to monitor for any new or reemerging pathogens of soybean in the north central region and develop appropriate responses to their emergence as they occur.

Accomplishments for objective 5

a) Members of NCERA 212 worked together to evaluate the soybean rust pest information platform for extension and education (PIPE) public websites impact on certified crop advisers.

b) Regional surveys of the presence and distribution of important diseases of soybean were concluded, and new surveys were started.

c) Monitoring for fungicide-resistant C. sojina and C. kikuchii isolates will be an emphasis for the NCERA 212 group in 2012.

Refereed Scientific Publications: Bienapfl, J.C., Malvick, D.K.,and Percich, J.A. 2011. Specific molecular detection of Phytophthora sojae using conventional and real-time PCR. Fungal Biology. 115 733-740. Bao, Y., Neher, D.A.,Chen, S.Y. 2011. Effect of soil disturbance and biocides on nematode communities and extracellular enzyme activity in soybean cyst nematode suppressive soil. Nematology 13: 687-699. Chilvers, M.I., Warner, F.W., Jacobs, J.L. and Wang, J. In Press. Efficacy of nematicide and fungicide seed treatments for soybean cyst nematode and soybean sudden death syndrome in Michigan, 2011. Plant Disease Management Reports. Chilvers, M.I., Jacobs, J.L. and Boyse, J.F. In Press. Triazole foliar fungicide efficacy on Septoria brown spot in soybeans in Michigan, 2011. Plant Disease Management Reports. Chilvers, MI., Zehr, G.L. and Munoz, J.D. 2011. Foliar fungicide efficacy on brown spot in soybeans in Michigan, 2010. Plant Disease Management Reports. 5:FC006. Domier, L. L., Hobbs, H. A., McCoppin, N. K., Bowen, C. R., Steinlage, T. A., Chang, S., Wang, Y., and Hartman, G. L. 2011. Multiple loci condition seed transmission of Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) and SMV-induced seed coat mottling in soybean. Phytopathology 101:750-756. Gongora, C. C., and Leandro, L. F. S. 2011. Plant age affects root infection and development of foliar symptoms of soybean sudden death syndrome. Plant Disease, 95:242-247. Gongora, C., and Leandro, L. F. S. 2011. Effect of soil temperature and plant age at time of inoculation on progress of root rot and foliar symptoms of soybean sudden death syndrome. Plant Disease 95:436-440. Gongora, C. C., Nutter, F. W. Jr., and Leandro, L. F. S. 2011. Temporal dynamics of root and foliar symptoms of soybean sudden death syndrome at different inoculum densities. European J. Plant Pathology (in press). On-line: DOI: 10.1007/s10658-011-9849-4. Hartman, G. L., Hill, C. B., Twizeyimana, M., Miles, M. R., and Bandyopadhyay, R. 2011. Interaction of soybean and Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the cause of soybean rust. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veternary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 6:1-25. Hartman, G. L., West, E., and Herman, T. 2011. Crops that feed the world 2. Soybean-worldwide production, use, and constraints caused by pathogens and pests. Food Security 3:5-17. Haudenshield, J. S., and Hartman, G. L. 2011. Exogenous controls to increase negative call veracity in multiplexed, quantitative PCR assays for Phakopsora pachyrhizi. Plant Disease 95:343-352. Henry, R.S. Wise, K.A., and Johnson, W.G. 2011. Glyphosates effect upon mineral accumulation in soybean. Crop Manag. doi:10.1094/CM-2011-1024-01-RS. Henry, R.S. Johnson, W.G., and Wise, K.A. 2011. The impact of a fungicide and insecticide on soybean growth, yield, and profitability. Crop Prot. 30:1629-1634. Jardine, D.J. and J.H. Long. 2011. Effect of seed treatment fungicides and insecticides on stand and yield of soybeans at Columbus Kansas, 2010. Plant Disease Management Reports 5:ST017. Jardine, D.J. and J.H. Long. 2011. Effect of seed treatment fungicides and insecticides on stand and yield of soybeans at Columbus Kansas, 2010. Plant Disease Management Reports 5:ST018. Mbofung, G. C. Y., Fessehaie, A., Bhattacharyya, M. K., and Leandro, L. F. S. 2011. A new Taqman real-time PCR assay for quantification of Fusarium virguliforme in soil. Plant Disease 94:860-866. Mengistu, A., Wrather, A., Little, C.R., Bond, J., Rupe, J., Shannon, G., Newman, M., Canaday, C., Arelli, C., and Chen, P. 2012. Evaluation of soybean genotypes for seedborne diseases in no-till and non-irrigated fields. Plant Health Progress: In Press. Mengistu, A., Arelli, P.A., Bond, J.P., Shannon, G.J., Wrather, A.J., Rupe, J.B., Chen, P., Little, C.R., Canaday, C.H., Newman, M.A., and Pantalone, V.R. 2011. Evaluation of soybean genotypes for charcoal rot. Plant Health Progress: Online (DOI: 10.1094/PHP-2011-0323-01-RS). Miles, M. R., Bonde, M. R., Nester, S. E., Berner, D. K., Frederick, R. D., and Hartman, G. L. 2011. Characterizing resistance to Phakopsora pachyrhizi in soybean. Plant Disease 95:577-581. Paul, C., Hill, C. B., and Hartman, G. L. 2011. Comparisons of visual rust assessments and DNA levels of Phakopsora pachyrhizi in soybean genotypes varying in rust resistance. Plant Disease 95:1007-1012. Peltier, A.J., Bradley, C.A., Chilvers, M.I., Malvick, D.K., Mueller, D.S., Wise, K.A., Esker, P.D. Submitted Dec-2011. Biology, yield loss, and control of Sclerotinia stem rot of soybean. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. Poromarto, S. H., Nelson, B. D., and T. C. Helms. 2011. Reproduction of soybean cyst nematode on dry bean cultivars over multiple generations. Plant Disease 95:1239-1243. Qi, M., Wang, D., Bradley, C. A., and Zhao, Y. 2011. Genome sequence analyses of Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea and subtractive hybridization-based comparative genomics with nine pseudomonads. PLoS One 6:e16451. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0016451 Richardson, M., Lagos, D., Mitchell, R., Hartman, G. L., and Voegtlin, D. J. 2011. Life history and morphological plasticity of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 140:139-145. Twizeyimana, M., Ojiambo, P. S., Hartman, G. L., and Bandyopadhyay, R. 2011. Dynamics of soybean rust epidemics in sequential plantings of soybean cultivars in Nigeria. Plant Disease 95:43-50. Twizeyimana, M., Ojiambo, P. S., Haudenshield, J. S., Caetano-Anollés, G., Pedley, K. F., Bandyopadhyay, R., and Hartman, G. L. 2011. Genetic structure and diversity of Phakopsora pachyrhizi isolates from soyabean. Plant Pathology 60:719-729. Valde
s-Lo
pez, O., Thibivilliers, S., Qiu, J., Xu, W., Nguyen, T., Libault, M., Le, B., Goldberg, R., Hill, C. B., Hartman, G. L., Diers, B. W., and Stacey, G. 2011. Identification of quantitative trait loci controlling gene expression during the innate immunity response of soybean. Plant Physiology doi: 10.1104/pp.111.183327. Walker, D., Boerma, H., Phillips, D., Schneider, R., Buckley, J., Shipe, E., Mueller, J., Weaver, D., Sikora, E., Moore, S., Hartman, G., Miles, M. R., Harris, D., Wright, D. L., Marois, J. J., and Nelson, R. L. 2011. Evaluation of USDA soybean germplasm accessions for resistance to soybean rust in the Southern United States. Crop Science 51:678-693. Extension publications: Chilvers, M. and Silva, G. MSU Extension News. Septoria brown spot of soybeans. September, 26, 2011. Chilvers, M. MSU Extension News. 2011 wasnt a year for white mold & was it? September, 14, 2011. Chilvers, M. and Nagelkirk, M. MSU Extension News. Stem Canker and the Diaporthe-Phomopsis complex. September, 12, 2011. Chilvers, M., Wang, J. and Byrne, J. MSU Extension News. Soybean sudden death syndrome found in four new counties in 2011. September, 6, 2011. Esker, P., Peltier, A., Bradley, C., Chilvers, M., Malvick, D., Mueller, D., and Wise, K. 2011. Management of white mold in soybean. North Central Soybean Research Program  Plant Health Initiative, booklet. Approximately 30,000 units printed. Henry, R. Wise, K., Johnson, W., and Krupke, C. 2011. Profitability of fungicides and insecticides in soybean. Purdue Pest and Crop Newsletter. Issue 17. Leandro, L., Mueller, D., Robertson, A., and Sisson, A. Sudden death syndrome-resistant soybean varieties for Iowa Iowa State University Extension: PM 3009. January 2011. MacKellar, B., and Chilvers, M. 2011. MSU Extension News. Soybean sudden death syndrome symptoms beginning to develop in Ingham County. August, 16, 2011. MacKellar, B., Chilvers, M. and Hao, J. 2011. MSU Extension News. White mold becoming evident in southwest Michigan irrigated soybean fields. July, 27, 2011. MacKellar, B., Chilvers, M. 2011. MSU Extension News. Sudden death syndrome beginning to show symptoms in southwest Michigan soybean fields. July, 1, 2011. MacKellar, B., Chilvers, M., Bird, G., and Wang, D. 2011. CAT alert. MSU soybean diseases research in Van Buren county will continue to investigate practices to manage sudden death syndrome in 2011. February, 25, 2011. Mueller, D. and Sisson, A. Scouting White Mold in Soybean. Iowa State University Extension: CSI 020. September 2011. Mueller, D., Sisson, A., Hodgson, E., Mallarino, A., McGrath, C., ONeal, M., Pedersen, P., Pilcher, C., Pope, R., Rice, M., Robertson, A., Sawyer, J., Schaefer, K., Simon, K., Tylka, G., and Wright, D. Soybean field guide Second Version Iowa State University Extension: CSI 010. March 2011. Sisson, A., Mueller, D., Hodgson, E., and Schaefer, K. Early season soybean scouting. Iowa State University Extension: CSI 006. January 2011. Wise, K. 2011. Are late-planted soybeans at risk for soybean rust? Purdue Pest and Crop Newsletter. Issue 9. Wise, K. 2011. Bacterial blight in soybean. Purdue Pest and Crop Newsletter. Issue 13.