Differential effect of delayed planting on soybean cultivars varying in susceptibility to bacterial pustule and wildfire in Korea

In 2009 and 2010, the effect of delayed planting on bacterial pustule (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines) and wildfire (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci) in four soybean cultivars was evaluated in fields in Suwon and Naju, Korea. Soybean was planted on 15 May as the first (traditional) planting date; then, planting was delayed at approximately 15-day intervals (three times) after the first planting. In plots planted approximately 15 or 30 days after the traditional planting date, the disease incidence in highly (Saeolkong and Taegwangkong) and moderately (Pungsannamulkong) susceptible cultivars was significantly reduced under moderate disease pressure, but disease reduction in highly susceptible cultivars was sometimes diminished especially against bacterial pustule under high disease pressure. Altered planting date had no effect on disease incidence in the least susceptible (resistant) cultivar (Cheongja-3-ho), regardless of disease pressure. Consistent differences in disease occurrence were not observed between planting locations. The results from this study indicate that delayed soybean planting reduced the bacterial disease incidence and differentially affected resistant and susceptible cultivars. Thus, planting resistant cultivars at the optimal planting date is desirable, but in the case of susceptible cultivars, delayed planting could be considered along with application of other control measures such as agrochemicals.