Kentucky Soybean News

Incidence and Epidemiology of Major Virus Diseases in Soybean in Kentucky

Principal Investigator:

Said A. Ghabrial, Plant Pathology Department, University of Kentucky

Objectives:

1. To monitor the incidence and, thus, the potential for Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV), and Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) to reduce soybean yield.
2. To assess the impact of the newly introduced soybean-colonizing aphids (soybean aphid Aphis glycines) on the spread of SMV as well as persistently transmissible viruses (e.g., Soybean Dwarf Virus).
3. To determine whether the spotted cucumber beetle may provide a primary source of BPMV early in the season.

Benefits to producers:

            Soybean yield losses of 10 – 55% have been reported as a consequence of SMV or BPMV infection.  Furthermore, BPMV interacts synergistically with SMV in doubly infected soybean plants with drastic reduction of yield (60-80 %) and seed quality.  The proposed studies will critically evaluate the incidence of SMV, BPMV, and TRSV in soybean crops in Kentucky.  These studies will also assess the impact of the newly introduced soybean-colonizing aphids (Aphis glycines) on the spread of SMV and other aphid-transmitted viruses.  If it is found that SMV, BPMV, TRSV and/or others are prevalent in soybean in Kentucky, educational programs will be aimed at persuading farmers to plant SMV-resistant cultivars and follow certain cultural practices for control of BPMV, TRSV and others (e.g., elimination of leguminous weeds in areas bordering soybean fields, or application of appropriate insecticidal sprays for the control of bean leaf beetles and spotted cucumber beetles (vectors of BPMV) and soybean aphid (vectors of SMV and potential vector of TRSV and SbDV).  The outcome of these studies and appropriate recommendations will be communicated to growers at meetings, field days, newsletter articles, and university Internet resources.

Predicted outcome or deliverables:

            The proposed research is predicted to provide valuable information on the identity, incidence, and epidemiology of the major viruses infecting soybeans in Kentucky.  This knowledge is essential for formulating effective control measures against the viruses that threaten soybean production.

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