Effects of Soybean Cyst Nematode Infestation and Resistance on Fusarium Root Rot on Soybeans

Abstract

<p>Fusarium species are ubiquitous in soil and can cause important soybean diseases such as damping-off and soybean root rot. At least twelve different species of Fusarium have been reported to infect soybean roots, but their relative aggressiveness as root rot pathogens is not known. In some cases, these root rots can be exacerbated by other pathogens, such as the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines). The most important species of Fusarium causing root rot on soybean, as well as their interactions and overall impact on soybean productivity, are unclear. To determine whether SCN infestation enhances Fusarium root rot in soybean, field experiments were conducted using cultivars that differ in genetic resistance to SCN.</p>