New technology tracks soybean diseases before symptoms appear

August 14, 2026 - 23:24

A new development in agricultural science may give soybean growers a significant head start against crop diseases. Researchers are working on a system that can identify infections before any visible symptoms show up on the plants. This could change how farmers approach disease management, moving from a reactive to a proactive strategy.

Dylan Mangel, a plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is leading the effort. He is currently developing predictive models that use advanced imaging and data analysis to detect subtle changes in the plants. These changes are too small for the human eye to catch but can signal the early stages of a fungal infection or other disease. The goal is to help farmers understand which growing seasons might bring higher disease pressure.

For example, diseases like white mold are a major concern. Mangel notes that if the technology can narrow down the timing of when an outbreak is likely, growers could apply fungicides only when truly needed. This would save money and reduce chemical use. The research is still in progress, but the potential is clear. If successful, this tool could become a standard part of farm planning, offering a clear advantage in protecting yields and securing the bottom line.