Embrapa defines collection methodology and conducts research on soybean stem breakage

At the beginning of January, researchers from Embrapa Agrosilvopastoril and Embrapa Soja identified in some soybeans in Mato Grosso in more advanced stages of breaking episodes of the stem and lodging of plants. Since then the problem has been accompanied. One collection and analysis methodology was defined for data standardization and pathogen isolation work is being carried out in the laboratory.

According to researchers, the problem is specific to crops in the mid-north region of the state and appears in the final stages of farming, from R6, when the grains finish filling. At the location of the break there is darkening of the interior of the stem, however, it is not yet known whether the microorganisms present there are the cause of the breakage or if they are a consequence.

To obtain a greater sample of information and in a standardized way, a methodology was defined for the team from Embrapa Agrossilvopastoril and sent to researchers and consultants who have ongoing cultivar trials. How the problem is new, so that it can be observed in this harvest it is necessary to use experiments that were already installed. Specific research projects for the problem must be developed so that they can be carried out in the next harvest.

For the methodology, the evaluation must be carried out at stage R7, choosing a line where there is breakage and counting damaged plants in two linear meters. The tipping level is calculated by percentage of broken plants. Furthermore, one must analyze the darkening of the stem, as methodology already described in 2015 by Embrapa Soja researcher Ademir Henning.

In addition to the information observed in the field, information is collected about cultivars, growth habit, sowing date, crop management fungicides, among others.

The informations collected in the field will be crossed with the result of isolation of microorganisms made in the laboratory. However, in order to reach a diagnosis, the same symptoms must be reproduced in controlled environment, which takes time and depends on financial resources and personnel.

Pod rot

In addition to the problem stem breakage, researchers from Embrapa and institutions partners are working to identify the cause of the rot soybean pod. The problem was first identified early 2020 and had great coverage in this 2021/2022 harvest, also in the mid-north region of Mato Grosso.

Researchers from Embrapa Soja and Embrapa Agrossilvopastoril visited crops with the problem, collected samples and defined a methodology for collecting and recording information. This methodology was sent to researchers from other institutions, to consultants, farmers and professional associations such as rural unions and producers' associations.

 Last month, Embrapa released a note on the rotting of pods, check it out here.