Disease risk may increase because soybeans are planted in soils that are cold and wet. Seed rot by Phytophthora . Stand reduction in warm soils in late spring is a good indication of damping-off caused by these two fungi. Last year, we experienced wet soil conditions in late May and early June. Consequently, the major damping-off problems reported were caused by Phytophthora .
Various chemicals are effective in controlling different fungi.
If you know the damaging fungi in your field, you can use the proper chemicals to prevent damping-off. Table 1 lists some chemicals and their control efficacies for major pathogens causing four soybean seedling diseases. Generally, Apron is effective for control of Pythium and Phytophthora , and other chemicals such as Rival or Vitavax are effective for control of Rhizoctonia . A combination of Apron and Rival is effective in controlling Pythium , Phytophthora , and Rhizoctonia . This product has broad-spectrum activity as a seed treatment chemical and is effective against fungi such as Pythium , Phytophthora , Rhizoctonia , Fusarium , and Phomopsis.