Forrest Rose Information Specialist 573-882-6843 RoseF@missouri.edu Nov.10, 2004 Soybean rust detected in U.S.; MU specialist counsels caution COLUMBIA, Mo. – Soybean rust has been detected for the first time in the continental United States at two test plots at Louisiana State University, a finding authorities say is a matter of concern, but not alarm, for Midwest soybean producers. “I think the most important thing is to avoid a sense of panic — the sense that you have to do something immediately,” said Laura Sweets, University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist. “The initial information makes it sound fairly isolated, and that might be the case. The USDA rapid response team is on-site in Louisiana trying to determine the extent of the disease.” The pathogen is believed to have been carried to the continental United States during the recent active hurricane season. Although growers in the Gulf Coast region have been advised to check their fields for the possible presence of the disease, the same is not true for Missouri soybean growers. “It’s important to keep in mind that our harvest is almost done for this year,” Sweets said. “It was about 70 percent done by the end of last week, and they’ve been rolling the combines all week. As far as this year, there’s virtually no risk.” She said MU Extension will step up its educational and informational efforts regarding soybean rust. “In some respects, this has given us an opportunity to be better prepared for next season. Everyone will have to do a better job of scouting,” Sweets said. “They need to be able to distinguish soybean rust from soybean foliage diseases we already have in Missouri.” If soybean rust does show up in Missouri, “the main management strategy would be the use of foliar fungicides,” she said, adding that Extension will schedule winter meetings to review the identification and management of soybean rust, including the types of fungicides available and application techniques. A U.S. Department of Agriculture official said that because the spores are spread by wind, quarantine measures are unlikely to be effective, and the disease will be combated through close surveillance and the judicious use of fungicides. The agency estimates treatment for affected fields would cost about $25 per acre on average, a cost increase of about 15 percent. “I don’t think it’s time to panic,” Sweets said. “If it showed up in June or July, that would be one thing. The fact that it showed up in November gives us time to prepare for next season. There’s certainly no reason for gloom and doom.” Source: Laura Sweets (573) 884-7307 Return to Current News Releases College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources AgEBB