Red crown rot, caused by the fungus Calonectria ilicicola, was discovered for the first time in Kentucky in September 2021 in soybean fields in Graves County, KY. The distribution of red crown rot is not known; thus, research is being proposed to survey Kentucky soybean fields to gain an understanding of its distribution in the state. Currently, little is known about management of this disease in more northern states, such as Kentucky (until recently, this disease only was known to occur in states in the deep southern U.S.). Field research to evaluate the management effects of fungicide seed treatments and planting date on red crown rot will be conducted as well. With this research, we hope to gain an understanding of the distribution of red crown rot in Kentucky soybean fields as well as gain a better understanding of how well different management practices work to control red crown rot. Ultimately, this research will help farmers understand the risk and how to manage red crown rot.

The objectives of this proposal are to: i) determine the distribution of red crown rot in Kentucky soybean fields, and ii) evaluate potential red crown rot management strategies in field trials.

Deliverables include new knowledge on the distribution of red crown rot in Kentucky and new knowledge about how fungicide seed treatments and planting date may be used to manage red crown rot.

With this research, we hope to gain a better understanding of the distribution of red crown rot in Kentucky soybean fields as well as gain a better understanding of how well different management practices work to control red crown rot. Ultimately, this research will help soybean farmers understand their risk to this new disease as well as provide information on potential management options.