Unfortunately, crop diseases can begin early after planting, sometimes becoming detrimental to the plant’s growth for the entirety of the season. In an Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management blog, extension field crops pathologist Alison Robertson highlighted the importance of scouting for seedling disease early on.As seeds begin the germination process, they may leak nutrients that attract unwanted pathogens such as Pythium and Fusarium, boosting the risk of disease. Some common diseases include seed and root rot, which affect scattered plants throughout the field or even in patches. “Seed rot often occurs before emergence and may be referred to as pre-emergent damping off. Seedlings with root rot emerge, but they may die after emergence,” Robertson warned. Surviving seeds tend to be less vigorous, stunted, yellow, and behind in growth stage when compared to surrounding plants.
To get a grip on the health of your crop, start scouting for seedling disease early on. Begin soybean and corn stand count assessments after emergence through the following weeks. “If there are skips in the row, dig up the seeds and check for seed rot,” she recommended. Post-emergency damped-off plants may be visible above the soil surface. However, you may have to dig up plants that look sickly and examine their roots. Infected seedlings will have brown, discolored, and rotted roots.
