Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) is an important disease of soybean in Kansas, resulting in millions of dollars of economic loss annually. Together, the objectives proposed in this study will help producers better manage this disease on their farms through better detection, prediction of risk, and through recommendations for cropping system adjustments (plant population and row spacing). Our proposed field trials will be used as “living classrooms” through in-field extension events.

Objective 1: Evaluate the influence of agronomic practices on soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) through on-farm trials evaluating row spacing, plant population, and variety selection.
Objective 2: Develop a sudden death syndrome prediction tool for predicting disease prior to planting.
Objective 3: Evaluate genetic diversity of Fusarium spp. from soybeans causing SDS in Kansas.
Objective 4: Validate a rapid diagnostic tool for SDS based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).
Objective 5: Generate and promote data-driven best management practices based on results of objectives 1, 2, and 3.

Objective 1: Evaluate the influence of agronomic practices on soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) through on-farm trials evaluating row spacing, plant population, and variety selection.
Deliverable: Updated best management practice recommendations for agronomics that influence disease development.
Deliverable: At least one peer-reviewed publication.
Objective 2: Develop a sudden death syndrome prediction tool for predicting disease prior to planting.
Deliverable: A risk tool to help farmers understand their SDS risk at the time of planting.
Objective 3: Evaluate genetic diversity of Fusarium spp. from soybeans causing SDS in Kansas.
Deliverable: An improved understanding of population diversity in our region.
Objective 4: Validate a rapid diagnostic tool for SDS based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).
Deliverable: A diagnostic tool that can be used by diagnostic labs to better diagnose SDS from farmer's fields.
Deliverable: At least one peer-reviewed publication.
Objective 5: Generate and promote data-driven best management practices based on the results of objectives 1, 2, and 3.
Deliverable: A series of extension materials and programs to improve knowledge of management practices among Kansas farmers.

In this proposal we aim to evaluate SDS risk based on agronomic practices and environment, and will validate a more accurate diagnostic assay. Together, this will allow us to update our best management practice recommendations for Kansas soybean producers and improve on-farm decision making.