Plant Health Initiative

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.