Forrest Rose Information Specialist 573-882-6843 RoseF@missouri.edu June 17, 2004 Soybean rust dangers and symptoms to be explored at June 29 workshop COLUMBIA, Mo. - Soybean producers should be alert but not unduly alarmed about soybean rust, a fungal disease that poses a threat to the No. 1 commodity crop in the United States, a University of Missouri integrated pest management specialist said. "Much information is available to help understand this disease, its potential for damage in different states and how it is best managed if - or when - it arrives in the United States," said Fred Fishel, director of the MU Integrated Pest Management program. The MU Extension Plant Protection Program will host a soybean rust workshop on Tuesday, June 29 at the Hawthorn Suites, 805 Keene St., in Columbia. Registration for the free workshop is at 8:30 a.m., and the sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon. Soybean rust, widespread in South America, is caused by an airborne pathogen that is slowly moving northward. "Knowing proper scouting techniques and protocols to follow is extremely important is soybean rust is suspected or reported," Fishel said. "Misinformation about this disease or its occurrence could lead to many acres of soybean being treated unnecessarily with fungicides. Unnecessary pesticide applications decrease profitability, increase the environmental load of pesticides and increase consumer concerns." He said producers, crop consultants, agri-business people, media representatives and extension personnel could benefit from the program. The workshop, which features presentations by extension plant pathologists, USDA Agricultural Research Service professionals and others with experience in soybean rust, will be taught using a teleconference system and other educational materials. For more information, call Fishel at (573) 884-6361. Source: Fred Fishel (573) 884-6361 Return to Current News Releases College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources AgEBB