Figure 5. Red crown rot crown and root symptoms. A – Characteristic red discoloration at the crown of soybean plants near the soil line, often referred to as the “red crown” symptom; B – Close-up of the crown and lower stem showing small, bright red, spherical fungal fruiting bodies (perithecia) developing on the stem surface, a distinctive sign of red crown rot caused by Calonectria ilicicola. C- An additional example of red, spherical perithecia forming on crown of soybean; D – the “pencil root” symptom, as red crown rot progresses, the lateral roots rot away, leaving only a thin, darkened taproot that resembles a pencil and reflects the severe root deterioration caused by this pathogen. Photo credits: Darcy Telenko