Plant Health Initiative

Northern Stem Canker - Management

Northern stem rot can be managed through a combination of resistant soybean varieties, residue management, and good agronomic practices.

• Avoid replanting soybeans in fields that have had a high incidence of stem canker
• Choose a soybean variety with resistance to Northen stem canker. Commercial varieties are available.
• Plant high-quality, certified seed that is disease-free and has a high germination rate
• Plant cleaned seed to eliminate bits of infected soybean stem, pods, and other debris that serve as a source of inoculum
• Plant in a warm, fertile, well-prepared seedbed to promote vigorous seedling growth
• Maintain good soil fertility based on soil tests. Inadequate fertility, particularly K, has been associated with increased infection
• Seed-applied fungicides can reduce stem canker but will not completely eliminate the pathogen
• Harvest as soon as the crop is mature. When harvest is delayed under wet conditions, seeds may be infected throughout the plant
• Bury infected crop residue after harvest, where soil erosion is not a problem. Do not use seeds from an infected crop

Source: University of Illinois Extension, University of Wisconsin Extension, South Dakota State University.