In experiments carried out in the field, under no-till planting system, in 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06 summer growing seasons, the effects of winter crops, rotation and monoculture on seedling emergence, root rot incidence and soybean grain yield were assessed. There were no effects of winter crops on soybean seedling emergence. As to root rot incidence on monoculture, an intensity of up to 99.2% was recorded. Grain yield was highest when soybean was cultivated in one season of rotation with corn. The fungi isolated from the root system of infected plants were Macrophomina phaseolina, Phomopsis sp., Fusarium spp. and Colletotrichum truncata. The soil at the experimental area can be considered suppressive to factors that reduce soybean germination, seedling emergence, and seedling/plant death. Considering its effect in reducing root rot, a suppressive action has not been detected yet; however, soybean rotation with corn reduced root rot incidence and increased soybean grain yield.
Glycine max; cultural practices; Phomopsis sp.; Macrophomina phaseolina; Fusarium spp
