Article by: Sarah J. Noggle, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Paulding County
As the 2025 growing season begins, it’s important for Ohio soybean farmers to be aware of a potential new threat: Red Crown Rot (RCR). While this disease has not yet been confirmed in Ohio, it has been identified in nearby states, including Kentucky and Illinois, which means vigilance is key.
What is Red Crown Rot?
Red Crown Rot is a soilborne fungal disease caused by Calonectria ilicicola. It can be easily confused with other common soybean diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and Brown Stem Rot (BSR) because of similar yellowing between the leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis). However, a key identifying feature of Red Crown Rot is the presence of brick-red fungal structures at the base of the stem and crown, especially noticeable under wet conditions.
Why Does It Matter?
Red Crown Rot can lead to significant yield losses and is challenging to manage once it becomes established in a field. Understanding how to recognize early symptoms and differentiate it from other diseases is critical for minimizing its impact.
How Can Farmers Manage Red Crown Rot?
Although there is no cure for Red Crown Rot, several management practices can help reduce its severity:
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Crop rotation to non-host crops like corn can help break the disease cycle.
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Improving drainage and reducing soil saturation can create less favorable conditions for disease development.
Learn More
We encourage growers, consultants, and ag professionals to watch this short educational video to learn more about Red Crown Rot symptoms and management strategies:
👉 Watch the video here
If you notice unusual symptoms in your soybeans this year, reach out to me at 419.399.8225 or by emailing noggle.17@osu.edu, or you can reach out to our State Soybean Pathology Specialist, Horacio Lopez-Nicora, at lopez-nicora.1@osu.edu. Samples can be submitted to the OSU Soybean Pathology and Nematology Laboratory for diagnosis. The lab address is OSU Soybean Pathology and Nematology Laboratory, Attn: Horacio Lopez-Nicora, 110 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43210.
By staying informed and scouting fields carefully, Ohio soybean growers can stay one step ahead of Red Crown Rot.