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DISEASES
OF SOYBEAN In addition to their green color, affected plants often have pods distorted pods that do not fill completely (see black arrow in photo above). Careful observation of soybean plants early in the season may also yield clues as to whether green stem syndrome may be a problem in a field. Look for fields (or areas in a field) with thin stands or where plants are under stress (e.g., water stress). Check plants for purple leaf blades (see white arrow in photo above) or petioles. Plants with such foliage often later exhibit the failure to mature characteristic of green stem syndrome. The cause of green stem syndrome is not completely understood. Current research is focusing on the role that viruses (such as bean pod mottle virus and tobacco ringspot virus) may play in the disease. Stressed plants may be more prone to the disease due to their attractiveness to insects that carry these viruses. In addition to viruses, researchers are also investigating other factors (such as nutrient deficiencies and phytoplasmas) that may potentially be contributing to the disease. At this time no effective controls for green stem syndrome are available.
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