Planting a resistant variety is the foundation of a management system to reduce yield loss due to BSR. However, it is important to use genetic resistance to BSR prudently, by rotating resistant varieites, in order to sustain its value as a control tactic.

Two or more years of nonhost crop is very beneficial to suppress BSR and improve soybean yield potential. Corn, small grains and forage legumes are all good rotation crop choices.

Phialophora gregata, the brown stem rot pathogen, appears to survive solely in soybean residue. Therefore, decomposition of residue is an important factor in managing this pathogen. Tillage, or the shredding of soybean straw in no-till systems, enhances residue decomposition and helps prevent build-up of the BSR pathogen.

Brown Stem Rot: Management and Variety Options
(overview of BSR management in a printable pdf format)

Internal stem symptoms (brown pith) of soybean infected with BSR

More soon on these topics:
Tillage and BSR
Planting Date & Row Width  
Rotation  
Soil Fertility