Jason Jenkins
Senior Information Specialist
573-882-2980
JenkinsJL@missouri.edu
February 16, 2005
MU lab develops procedure to submit
samples for soybean rust identification
“Because of soybean rust’s potential impact, it’s critical that turn-around time from sample collection to identification be as short as possible,” said Simeon Wright, coordinator of the MU Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic. “Our goal is to have a diagnosis within 48 hours or less of receiving a sample. This is dependent on how well developed the rust infection is, the quality of the plant sample and the background information we receive.”
When sampling fields, producers should examine plants carefully, walking the field in a zigzag pattern, Wright said.
“Rust needs moisture, so be sure to scout the low areas and shaded areas where the canopy stays wet for longer periods of time,” he said. “Part the foliage and look at the lower leaves in the canopy and the underside of the leaves. Use a hand lens to examine any lesions for the characteristic cone-shaped pustules on the lower leaf surfaces.”
If a producer finds something that looks like it could be soybean rust, “20 to 30 leaves should be collected from several different plants that are displaying the suspected disease,” Wright said.
These leaves should be placed flat between dry paper towels or newspaper and sealed in a zip-top storage bag. “Don’t wet the paper towels because extra moisture will promote mold growth that would compromise the sample,” he said.
The first storage bag should be placed inside a second bag, as “a precaution against inadvertently spreading rust spores during shipping,” he said. “Be sure to label the bag with the date, the collector’s name, a phone number, the county, the nearest intersection, the type of plant sampled, the location of the field, and the collection location within the field.”
The sample should then be placed in a box or padded envelope with a completed plant disease identification form, sealed with tape along all seams, and shipped immediately to the diagnostic clinic using overnight delivery.
“A fresh sample is key; if it’s degraded, it’s useless,” Wright said. “If it can’t be shipped immediately, don’t leave it on the dash of the truck on a hot, sunny day. Instead, store it in a cooler or refrigerator until it can be shipped.”
He suggested not sending samples on Fridays to avoid any potential weekend shipping delays. “If producers notify us by phone or e-mail that a possible soybean rust sample is on the way, we’ll keep an eye out for it and get to it right away.”
Wright said producers can take samples to their regional extension agronomy specialists to rule out more common foliar diseases before submitting a sample to the clinic. He said samples may also be dropped off in person at the clinic between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic is located at 23 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211. Forms and detailed collection and sample submission information are available on the clinic’s Web site at http://agebb.missouri.edu/pdc/. Anyone with questions may contact Wright at (573) 882-3019 or plantclinic@missouri.edu.
A new MU Extension guide about Asian soybean rust also is available. The guide provides detailed descriptions and photographs of soybean rust, compares it to other foliar diseases found in Missouri, and outlines management strategies. The guide can be found online at http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/crops/g04442.htm.
Source: Simeon Wright (573) 882-3019
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