Effects of Diseases on Soybean Yields in the United States 1996 to 2007

Research must focus on management of diseases that cause extensive losses, especially when funds for research are limited. Knowledge of yield suppression caused by various soybean diseases is essential when prioritizing research. The objective of this project was to compile estimates of soybean yield suppression due to diseases in the USA from 1996 to 2007. The goal was to provide information to help funding agencies and scientists prioritize research objectives and budgets. Yield suppression due to individual diseases varied among years. Soybean cyst nematode suppressed USA soybean yield more from 1996 to 2007 than any other disease. Phytophthora root and stem rot ranked second among diseases that most suppressed yield seven of 12 years. Seedling diseases and charcoal rot also suppressed soybean yield during these years. Research and extension efforts must be expanded to provide more preventive and therapeutic disease management strategies for producers to reduce disease suppression of soybean yield.