Bean varieties not keeping up with root rots, try calcium

Just saw this article from Ag Proffesional:

Stem Canker and Charcoal Rot in Soybeans
Mar. 4, 2009

Source: University of Wisconsin

By early August 2008, reports started coming in to county Extension offices and the University of Wisconsin of soybean fields with symptoms similar to Phytophthora root rot (PRR). Because many of these fields were planted to varieties containing the Rps 1k gene, serious concern arose over the breakdown of resistance to PRR conferred by this gene.

The 2008 growing season was one of extremes. Heavy rains early in the year led to flooded field conditions and anxiety about diseases caused by Pythium and Phytophthora. Then the rains stopped, fields dried out, and drought-like conditions occurred throughout much of the state. In spite of these dry conditions, by early August reports started coming in to county extension offices and the University of Wisconsin of soybean fields with symptoms similar to PRR. Because many of these fields were planted to varieties containing the Rps 1k gene, serious concern arose over the breakdown of resistance to PRR conferred by this gene.

Phytophthora root rot is a disease commonly a associated with low avialable soil calcium and low soil oxygen. See our previous article on root rot. Increasing the calcium increase root growth and vigor. Adding calcium to the soil will also increase oxygen to the soil helping to slow the pathogen.

Even if you have high pH you may be short on calcium. Hydrogen is the only thing that pH measures and has nothing to do with calcium availablity. SuperCal SO4 increases soil calcium and doesn't rasie pH.

SuperCal SO4 is an excellent way to inexpensivly reduce root rots. As an added benift you'll see a reduction in white mold too.