Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) is one of the leading yield-limiting soybean diseases, costing U.S. growers more than 21 thousand bushels in the U.S. in 2023.¹
Once this soil-borne fungus takes hold in a soybean field, its spores can survive for decades. Since it’s nearly impossible to eradicate, the best you can hope for is to manage your soybean sudden death syndrome. Selecting the right soybean variety is considered the number one management tool for combatting SDS.²
Learn what factors to evaluate when selecting soybean seed and how to take steps to protect emerging seedlings from sudden death syndrome.
1. Plant later into warmer, drier soil to avoid sudden death syndrome
Delayed germination and emergence extends the period of time soybean seeds are exposed to pathogens like soybean sudden death syndrome. The cool, moist soils characteristic of early planting dates also favor the infection.
If your field has a history of soybean sudden death syndrome, you may want to consider moving planting dates a week or two after regular early planting dates. Additionally, tillage can help promote earlier soil warming.
However, be cautious of planting delays and their negative impact on overall yield. According to the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP), there is no need to delay planting as long as you are using SDS-tolerant varieties and you are not planting a susceptible variety in a field with a history of SDS.³
2. Select high-vigor, soybean sudden death syndrome-resistant varieties
High-quality seed with proven SDS resistance can help you combat soybean sudden death syndrome.
In general, choosing high-vigor seed that is less likely to be harmed by early season pests, pathogens and weather conditions is key to combatting SDS infections. For example, damage from soybean cyst nematode (SCN) creates wounds in the soybean root system as the nematodes feed, subsequently creating entry points for the Fusarium fungus that causes soybean sudden death syndrome to infect the plant. In turn, planting seed with SCN resistance can help reduce the severity of SDS infections.
Additionally, selecting seed with fast germination rates can help shorten the critical germination window that, if delayed, can otherwise increase SDS risk.⁴
3. Use seed treatment to suppress soybean sudden death syndrome
Even the highest quality soybean seed could use a little help getting off to a good start. Protecting soybean plants at their most vulnerable is critical for managing soybean sudden death syndrome. Look for seed treatments that protect against the foliar and root rot phases of SDS in soybeans.
Ilevo® seed treatment offers protection from both SDS as well as SCN in soybean.
Experts are available to help you make your decisions. Reach out to your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent, or a seed company professional like your regional BASF representative.
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Endnotes
- Sikora, Ed. “Soybean Disease Loss Estimates from the United States and Ontario, Canada — 2023.” Crop Protection Network, 14 Mar. 2024, cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/soybean-disease-loss-estimates-from-the-united-states-and-ontario-canada-2023. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
- Jardine, Douglas J. “Sudden Death Syndrome - Soybean Disease.” Soybean Research & Information Network, 19 May 2020, soybeanresearchinfo.com/soybean-disease/sudden-death-syndrome/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
- Jardine. “Sudden Death Syndrome - Soybean Disease.”
- Meiring, Bridget. “Sudden Death Syndrome of Soybean.” Ohio State University Extension, 19 Jan. 2011, ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/AC-44. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
