Results of phytopathological examination of soybean seeds obtained in the Biya-Chumysh zone of the Altai Region

Abstract

With increasing soybean production in the Altai Region, phytosanitary risks increase due to the spread of pathogens of various etiologies with seed material. Timely phytopathological examination of seed material helps to reduce financial risks and improve quantitative and qualitative indices of the yield. The research goal was to conduct phytopathological examination of soybean seed samples and determine the species composition of pathogens in the Biya-Chumysh zone of the Altai Region. Three soybean varieties were tested: Alberta, Fulford, and Yukon. The phytopathological examination of the seeds was conducted in the Altai Testing Laboratory of the Federal Center for Animal Health (FGBU VNIIZZH) in accordance with GOST 12044-93 using germination, microscopy, and morphological disease identification. The degree of seed infestation by variety over a three-year period was evaluated. Fusarium was found to be the most common phytopathogen present in all varieties throughout all years of the study with the level of damage varying by year. Bacteriosis was also the most common disease but it exhibits significant varietal specificity: the highest incidence was observed in the Alberta variety, while the lowest was observed in the Yukon variety. Downy mildew was detected exclusively in the Alberta variety indicating its genetic susceptibility to the pathogen and requiring regular phytosanitary monitoring. Thus, the phytopathological state of seeds is determined by the combination of weather conditions and varietal characteristics. Regular phytosanitary testing of seeds is essential to develop effective preventive and protective measures aimed at reducing risks and improving seed quality.