Ever-vigilant is 2007 Strategy

The discovery of Asian soybean rust in North America in late 2004 (read Background) changed the nature of soybean production in Louisiana as well as throughout the rest of the continent. Farmers must now be ever-vigilant for this disease because once it becomes established, it can spread quickly – potentially destroying entire fields. The fungus is spread by wind-borne spores. First discovered in Asia more than 100 years ago, it has moved to Africa, South America and now here.

The only way to control the disease is early discovery and use of fungicides. Scientists all over the world, including LSU AgCenter scientists, are working to develop varieties of soybeans resistant to this disease – but that solution is at least five years away. Meanwhile, Louisiana and other states have set up a system of sentinel plots to aid in finding the disease.

Asian Soybean Rust Disease Found In Kudzu Earlier This Year Than In 2006
Farmers growing soybeans this year should be on alert, but not panicked, after last week’s discovery of Asian soybean rust in a kudzu patch in Iberia Parish.

Asian Soybean Rust Hosts
Provides a list of plant hosts for Asian Soybean Rust.

LSU AgCenter Preparing For Asian Soybean Rust Again This Season
LSU AgCenter experts are preparing to monitor for Asian soybean rust in Louisiana this year as the fungus threatens to enter the state from a new direction – the west. The rust disease, which is spread by windborne spores, is feared because it’s hard to detect until it’s too late to do anything to stop it.

Research Helps Keep Soybeans Safe: Rust disease threatens Louisiana's No. 1 crop

Asian soybean rust, a globe-trotting disease that ravages soybeans, found its way to North America in 2004 and has changed farming in Louisiana ever since.

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Don't Mistake Bacterial Disease for Rust on Kudzu: Photo Gallery

A bacterial (rust-like) disease on kudzu was found on May 18 in Madison Parish. These pictures should help you identify the differences between this disease and rust. The water-soaked lesions are not usually present in the field, which causes this to look more like rust.

Brazilian Soybean Rust Expert Says Check Fields Often; Hurricane Could Blow In More Disease Spores

The trouble with Asian soybean rust, the disease most feared by soybean farmers, is that the spores that cause it can blow into a field from anywhere, anytime. And Hurricane Dennis could bring in a new wave from South America.

2005 will be learning year for Asian soybean rust

LSU AgCenter scientists are launching a series of research projects in 2005 to learn what they can about Asian soybean rust and how this potentially devastating disease will develop in Louisiana.

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