Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome

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Disease: SDS

Basics

Disease cycle

Links to state resources

Variety trials

Founded by the North Central Soybean Research Program --and funded by the Soybean Checkoff – this website is a portal to current, science-based information on soybean pests and diseases, from university soybean researchers throughout the 12-state region.

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University of Illinois
Southern Illinois University

Iowa State University

Kansas State University

Michigan State University

University of Minnesota

University of Missouri

University of Nebraska

North Dakota State University

Ohio State University

Purdue University

South Dakota State University

University of Wisconsin

Sudden Death Syndrome - Agronomic impact

A soybean variety susceptible to sudden death syndrome bordered by resistant varieties.
Photo credit: University of Wisconsin

Soybean yield losses from SDS can range from only slight to 100%, depending on variety and stage of crop development when the symptoms first appear. The disease tends to be most severe on well-managed soybeans with a high yield potential.

The appearance of SDS symptoms at early pod fill is reportedly more damaging than its appearance at a later stage of plant development.

Yield reduction is caused by the reduced photosynthetic area, defoliation, flower and pod abortion, and reduced seed size.

Plant Health Initiative