Did you know that Biome Makers agronomists have identified some of the top soilborne bacterial and fungal diseases affecting various cropping systems in the US? While not all soilborne diseases are included, the selected ones are among some of the most impactful, with variability by region. It's important to note that the diseases are not listed in order of impact, and they do not include viruses. The detection of these diseases is made possible by BeCrop® technology, a global soil database, offering valuable insights for crop management and disease prevention.
🍇 Vineyards
Vineyards are highly vulnerable to a range of bacterial and fungal diseases, which can significantly impact grape production. The top 5 diseases affecting vineyards are:
- Pierce’s Disease: Caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, this disease is transmitted by xylem-feeding insects and can lead to leaf scorch, defoliation, and ultimately, the death of the vine.
- Powdery Mildew: A common fungal disease caused by Erysiphe necator, leading to a white powdery growth on leaves and berries, ultimately affecting fruit quality.
- Botrytis Bunch Rot: Caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, this disease affects grapes, leading to gray mold and berries rotting, particularly in humid conditions.
- Esca Complex/Petri Disease: These are caused by fungi, including Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp., leading to the decline of vines and the development of characteristic wood necrosis.
- Blackfoot Disease: Caused by several species of the Phaeomoniella genus, this disease affects the vascular system of grapevines, leading to wood necrosis and reduced vine vigor.
Almonds
Depending on the location and environment, these soilborne diseases can have different prevalence and effects on almond crops, which makes them a serious danger. The top 5 diseases affecting almonds include:
- Green Fruit Rot/Jacket Rot: Caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola, this disease affects almonds, leading to the rotting of developing fruits.
- Hull Rot: Caused by Rhizopus stolonifer and other fungi, this disease affects almond hulls, leading to rot and reduced nut quality.
- Alternaria Leaf Spot: Caused by Alternaria spp., this disease leads to the development of dark spots on almond leaves, potentially impacting photosynthesis.
- Stone Fruit Rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Tranzschelia discolor, leading to rust-like symptoms on almond leaves.
- Phytophthora Crown and Root Rot: Caused by Phytophthora spp., this disease affects the roots and crown of almond trees, leading to rot and potential tree death.
Want to learn more about prominent diseases in almonds in CA? Check out this blog here >>
🥔Potato
Potato crops are vulnerable to several bacterial and fungal diseases, which can result in complete crop destruction and lead to as much as 85% yield loss. Understanding these diseases' nature, symptoms, and management is crucial for preserving potato crops. The top 5 diseases affecting potatoes are:
- Common Scab: Caused by Streptomyces scabiei, this disease leads to the development of scab-like lesions on potato tubers, reducing their market value.
- Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans): This devastating disease is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, leading to foliar lesions and tuber rot.
- Verticillium Wilt: Caused by Verticillium dahliae, this soilborne fungus affects potatoes, leading to wilting and reduced yield.
- Early Blight: Caused by Alternaria solani, this disease leads to the development of dark lesions on potato foliage, potentially impacting photosynthesis.
- Fusarium Dry Rot/Wilt: Caused by various Fusarium species, this disease affects potatoes, leading to tuber rot and wilting.
Soy
In the Midwest, soybeans and corn can be affected by various diseases. The top 5 diseases affecting soybeans are:
- Sudden Death Syndrome: Caused by Fusarium virguliforme, this disease leads to root rot and foliar symptoms, ultimately impacting yield.
- Frogeye Leaf Spot: Caused by Cercospora sojina, this disease leads to the development of circular lesions with a gray center on soybean leaves.
- Charcoal Rot: Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, this disease affects soybean roots and stems, leading to charcoal-like discoloration and reduced yield.
- White Mold: Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, this disease affects soybeans, leading to white mycelial growth and sclerotia formation on stems.
- Pythium (Damping Off): Various Pythium species can cause damping-off in soybeans, particularly in cool and wet conditions.
🌽Corn
Corn is susceptible to a variety of diseases that can significantly impact yield and quality.. The top 4 diseases affecting corn are:
- Red Root Rot: Caused by the fungus Pythium spp., this disease affects corn roots, leading to rot and reduced nutrient uptake.
- Gray Leaf Spot: Caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis, this disease leads to the development of grayish lesions on corn leaves, potentially impacting photosynthesis.
- Diplodia Rot: Caused by Stenocarpella maydis, this disease affects corn ears, leading to rot and reduced grain quality.
- Nigrospora: This fungal pathogen affects corn ears, leading to mold growth and reduced grain quality.
Want to learn more about top diseases in corn in the Midwest? Read more here >>
How Biome Makers BeCrop® Test Can Help:
Biological soil testing serves as a proactive and preventative measure for farmers, offering valuable insights into the health and composition of the soil ecosystem. Unlike traditional soil tests that primarily focus on chemical and physical aspects, biological soil testing examines the living organisms within the soil and how they interact with one another, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
- Early Detection of Disease Risks
- Nutrient Cycling Optimization
- Improved Soil Structure and Health
- Tailored Soil Management Practices
