Introduction

Producing soybeans is a challenge. Soybean plants must compete with an array of pests and other stresses. This competition reduces soybean-producer income by more than a billion dollars each year. But, soybean producers are not defenseless. A properly designed integrated crop management program uses field-specific information acquired through scouting to protect soybean plants from pests and other stresses. Accurate identification of crop pests and stresses is an essential part of management decision-making. This diagnostic guide is a comprehensive and systematic approach to identification of soybean production problems. Use this information to help you make informed choices among management options. In some instances corrective strategies including replanting or rescue treatments will be in order. In other instances information gained from the current growing season can be used to modify management in succeeding seasons. Remember that this information is a guide and not a definitive diagnosis. Proper diagnosis often requires laboratory analyses of soil and/or plant parts. Please contact your local public or private laboratory for additional assistance. While using this diagnostic guide, remember that soybean plants are often affected by multiple pests and stresses. So, the correct diagnosis may include several possibilities. And, similar signs or symptoms can be caused by several different agents. Look carefully at all the possibilities before making a decision.