Cercospora Leaf Blight and Purple Seed Stain in Soybean: Insights and Challenges with a South American Perspective

Abstract Cercospora leaf blight (CLB) and purple seed stain (PSS) are caused by several species of Cercospora , including C . kikuchii and C . cf. flagellaris . These diseases are prevalent in the world’s top soybean-producing regions, where they can lead to significant yield losses. Management strategies currently rely heavily on fungicide applications, but the development of resistance to common fungicides presents a growing challenge. To address this, there is increasing interest in innovative approaches, such as biofungicides, biostimulants, and plant defence inducers, which could offer more sustainable disease control. This case study examines the impact of CLB and PSS, with a focus on the epidemiological factors contributing to their spread, and explores ongoing research aimed at improving the management of these diseases in soybean production. Information © The Authors 2025