Soybean rust researcher details education efforts |
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By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition |
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August 25, 2005 - It has become impossible to pick up any agricultural periodical without seeing the latest reports on soybean rust. Since being discovered in the United States on Nov. 9, 2004, the plant-destroying disease has been reported in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Unfortunately, this news arrived shortly after many producers were looking to vary their crops and plant soybeans. The Asian soybean rust, the variation found in the United States, was discovered 102 years ago in China, and in most instances, the first year is the best year to take control of the problem. On Aug. 2, the American Phytopathological Society had its annual meeting in Austin, and the subject of soybean rust was addressed by Dr. Anne E. Dorrance, associate professor in the department of plant pathology at Ohio State University. Dorrance explained, to the full room of meeting’s attendees, that she and others have been working on resolving the problems associated with soybean rust for over two years. While producers are aware soybean rust can ruin crops, Dorrance noted the disease could, also, pose a “biological threat” to our nation. Education is key to avoiding major catastrophes or problems, and she is part of the group who is going around the world training educators, first, and then producers, as to what to look for and what to do in case soybean rust is discovered. The group of pathologists has worked to identify all problems and needs of producers, educators and companies who supply the fungicides used to treat the rust problems. Between December 2004 and March 2005, 76,000 presentations have been presented by Extension plant pathologists in the “train-the-trainer” mode. Extension priorities, according to Dorrance, include updating producers on the latest discoveries concerning soybean rust; developing training materials to present; preserving leaves that look suspicious or have the rust; put together training manuals for distribution in areas where soybeans are planted; and explaining the scouting procedures for producers. While scouting for soybean rust sounds simple enough, Extension agents in the affected areas of the southern states noted it’s not too hard to “cry wolf,” and that some of the experts wrongly identified a similar disease as rust on more than one occasion. False reports can cost producers undue dollars if fungicides … which run between $38 to $50 per acre … are applied without real need. Dorrance reported that like most others, she “doesn’t see land cost going down … and pesticides will continue to go up (in price) … so it may be hard to make any money (on soybeans).” This is a good reason to make sure it’s actually soybean rust before making an announcement. It is advised that producers contact their county Extension agent and have them take a look at the lesions, first. Soybean rust has been found on kudzu in Florida, and experts suspect the rust can be found in most counties in southern Florida, due to the humid, wet conditions of the last few months. Many areas have already had one application of spray, with a second likely to be recommended. First harvests of soybeans are expected by mid-September. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Aug. 12, the soybean crop production estimate is down, slightly, from the July projections. In 2005, the USDA has estimated a production of 2.791 billion bushels, compared to 3.141 billion bushels in 2004. Part of the change is due to drought conditions and 1.7 million less acres planted, this year. Soybean prices are expected to remain “fairly strong,” with prices predicted to be around $6.97/bushel, which would be 54 cents higher, than in 2004. For more information: www.soybeanrust.com or www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/infocenter. |
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