Rains this spring were a reprieve from the prolonged drought conditions across much of the Midwest. In a stroke of cruel irony, though, the moisture and accompanying cool temperatures also created breeding grounds for fungal disease. In soybeans, sudden death syndrome (SDS) has been especially widespread—and lethal—this growing season.
Rains yielded bumper crops for some producers in 2025 but caused widespread fungal diseases.
Foliar symptoms of plants infected with sudden death syndrome show large chlorotic and necrotic blotches between the leaf veins.
People are also reading…
Blue growth of the Fusarium virguliforme fungus indicates advanced stages of sudden death syndrome but is rarely seen on infected plants in Nebraska. Instead, producers should examine the stem for gray to reddish brown internal tissue.
Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.
Kristen Sindelar
Agriculture Reporter
