P-124 - Impact of Foliar Fungicide Applications on Seedborne Fungal Pathogens in Soybean

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM HST

Location: Exhibit Hall 3

Presenting Author(s)

DL

Danillo Leite

Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois, United States

Author(s)

WE

Will Epplin

Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois, United States
AF

Ahmad Fakhoury, n/a

Professor
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois, United States
JB

Jason Bond

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois, United States

Abstract Text: Seedborne fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to soybean production, affecting seed quality and plant establishment. Fungicide applications at the R3 growth stage aim to control foliar diseases, but their effectiveness in reducing seedborne fungi remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of foliar fungicide treatments on fungal incidence in soybean seeds and characterize the fungal species isolated from treated and untreated plants. Soybean seeds were collected from field trials where different fungicide treatments were applied at R3. Seeds were surface sterilized with 70% ethanol (1 min) and 2% sodium hypochlorite (1 min), rinsed three times with sterile water, and plated on water agar medium. Fungal colonies were isolated, purified, and identified based on morphology and molecular analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that several genera, including Diaporthe, Fusarium, Colletotrichum, and Alternaria, were present in seeds across treatments. Differences in fungal incidence were observed among treatments, suggesting that some fungicides may reduce seedborne pathogen load. This study provides insight into the influence of foliar fungicides on soybean seed health. Understanding the impact of fungicides on seedborne fungi is crucial for disease management strategies, ensuring high-quality seed production.