Soybean disease loss estimates for the United States from 1996 to 1998

Soybean disease loss estimates were compiled for the 1996 to 1998 harvested craps from all soybean-producing states in the United States. Scientists f rom each state provided estimates of losses based on field surveys, informa tion from field workers and university extension staff and research plot da ta. Total yield losses caused by soybean cyst [Heterodera glycines Ichinohe ] in the United States were greater than those caused by any other disease. Next in importance were phytophthora root and stem rot [Phytophthora sojae (Kaufman & Gerdemann)], brown stem rot [Phialophora gregata (Allington & C hamberlain) Gems], sclerotinia stem rot [Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary], and seedling diseases. Yield loss estimates due to particular disea ses varied by region and among years. The estimated soybean yield losses to diseases in the United States were 10.9 x 10(6) t in 1996, 11.9 x 10(6) t in 1997, and 14.0 x 10(6) t in 1998.