Through work done at the University of Arkansas, plant pathologist Yannis Tzanetakis (pronounced Zan-tak-is) has identified a new virus which is called Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus. The researchers now have proof that the virus causes the disease Soybean Vein Necrosis.

Early signs of Soybean Vein Necrosis are usually found around the middle of June, with the first visible symptoms being a yellowing along the main vein of the leaf. As the season progresses that yellowing will then become necrosis and the leaves will begin to die off. And depending on the cultivar there maybe a partial necrosis or the whole leave may die off.

Obviously this has a major impact on photosynthesis and the nutrients that go to the seed. Therefore it may have an effect on the yield, depending on the time and how wide spread the symptoms are on the plant. Once the virus is in the plant there is not a cure. Therefore there is no need to apply any fungicide as they will not have any effect on the disease. Where as it is important to identify the virus in the field to minimize the spread by Soybean thrips. For more information on the soybean vein necrosis virus and disease please visit us on the web at: WWW.UAEX.EDU.

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