Invasiveness of Coniothyrium glycines, the cause of soybean red leaf blotch

Authors: Hartman, Glen; MURITHI, HARUN - International Institute Of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Submitted to: Center for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) Invasive Species Compendium
Publication Type: Monograph
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/13/2019
Publication Date: 4/28/2019
Citation: Hartman, G.L., Murithi, H. 2019. Invasiveness of Coniothyrium glycines, the cause of soybean red leaf blotch. Center for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) Invasive Species Compendium. https://www.cabi.org/ISC/datasheet/17687.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Red leaf blotch of soybean is the common name for the disease caused by the fungal pathogen Coniothyrium glycines (R. B. Stewart) Verkley & Gruyter. Other names for the disease include Dactuliophora leaf spot and Pyrenochaeta leaf blotch. The disease and causal fungus were first reported in Ethiopia in 1957. The pathogen is native to Africa living on the native legume plant, Neonotonia wightii, and perhaps on other legumes as well. The jump of this pathogen to soybeans occurred as early as 1957 and its occurrence has increased along with soybean production in Africa. The disease is currently a serious threat to soybean production in sub-Sahara African countries, with losses of up to 50% reported. The disease has not been reported outside of Africa, although the pathogen is considered a threat to soybean producing countries outside of Africa including Brazil and the United States.