Leaves on dead plants wither but remain attached. The disease is controlled by using pathogen-free seed and planting resistant cultivars. Crop rotation will reduce overwintering inoculum. Anthracnose occurs in all major soybean growing areas of the world. The disease reduces stands, seed quality and yields.
Losses are greatest in the southeastern United States.
Although seedling infection can occur from overwintered fungus on infected seed or crop residue, anthracnose is generally a late-season disease. Late infections occur during bloom or early pod development when conditions are wet and humid for a prolonged period. The fungus produces an abundance of spores which infect and kill lower branches, leaves, and young pods. Foliar symptoms include leaf rolling and veinal necrosis. Symptoms appear on stems, pods, and petioles as red or dark brown areas.