Plant Health Initiative

Scouting for Soybean Viruses

Watch for possible virus infections in fields with moderate to high feeding by aphids, thrips, or bean leaf beetles. Photo credit: University of Wisconsin

To determine if a virus problem exists in your field, look for the following signs:

• Moderate to high insect activity
• Presence of leaf symptoms: mottled, crinkled leaf symptoms typical of virus infection.  Foliar symptoms of virus infection will be most apparent during times of rapid growth and cooler weather.
• Lower than expected yields
• Mottled seed

Be aware that leaf symptoms are not a consistent indicator of virus infection. Weather conditions and growth stage can mask leaf symptoms, and soybean varieties will differ in the amount of leaf symptoms that develop. Mottled and crinkled leaves can have other causes, such as herbicide injury or nutrient deficiencies.

Mottled, crinkled leaves may be a sign of virus infection. Foliar symptoms will be most apparent during times of rapid growth and cooler weather. Click on image to view a larger version. Photo credit: Marvin Rice