How to Identify SDS in Your Field
Since SDS can mimic other diseases it’s important to learn how to tell it apart. It’s a soilborne pathogen that overwinters in infected residue so pay special attention to fields with a history of the disease. Start scouting in June and keep scouting until mid-August.
Look for these symptoms:
- Yellow, interveinal chlorosis and necrosis after R2
- Leaflets turn brown and drop, leaving bare petioles
- Lower stem cortex will have brown or gray streaks, but a normal pith (not to be confused with brown stem rot)
If SDS appears in fields this year, make note and plan to use seed treatment, resistant varieties or crop rotation to combat the disease.