Date: August 2 2006
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
In this update (most recent first):

[1] ASR on soybeans - Mississippi: first report in 2006
[2] ASR on soybeans - Florida: first report for Jefferson County in 2006
[3] ASR on soybeans - Louisiana: first report in 2006
[4] ASR on soybeans - Florida: first report for Gadsden County in 2006
[5] ASR on soybeans - Georgia: first report for Brooks County in 2006

[1] ASR on soybean and kudzu - Mississippi: 1st report in 2006
Date: 2 Aug 2006
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: Stopsoybeanrust.com [edited]
<http://www.stopsoybeanrust.com/viewStory.asp?StoryID=899>

Mississippi reports first soybean rust in kudzu, soybeans

Soybean rust has been found for the 1st time this year [2006] in Mississippi, in soybeans and on kudzu in Jefferson County on the Louisiana border.

This becomes the 28th US county positive for rust in 2006 and expands the affected states to 6: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

The Mississippi state commentary posted tonight on the USDA PIPE website said "rust was heavy on kudzu in an area about 30 feet in diameter.
However, rust was difficult to find in soybeans."

Scouting continues in production fields, sentinel plots and alternative hosts, the commentary said. Mississippi sentinel plot growth stages range from R3 to R7.

Mississippi is recommending that some growers consider a fungicide application.

Specifically, the commentary said tonight, "Producers in the SW portion of the state that have soybeans that are in reproductive growth stage R5.5 or a younger reproductive stage need to consider application of a fungicide, particularly a triazole or a mix. Soybeans in our major growing areas in North Mississippi and the Delta have nothing to be concerned about at this time.

"It's been hot and extremely dry in those areas, unfavorable for rust development. Scouting will continue, and these management suggestions will be modified based on the scouting results and weather conditions."

The USDA national commentary recaps that: "Currently, rust has been found on this year's [2006] soybeans in 8 different counties in 5 states (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS); the rest of the finds have been on kudzu. A total of 28 counties have reported rust this year: 5 in Alabama, 13 in Florida, 5 in Georgia, 3 in Louisiana, one in Mississippi and one in Texas."

Mississippi was one of the 1st states to identify an Asian soybean rust infection when the fungus 1st arrived in the continental United States in Nov 2004. Rust was found on soybeans in Adams County -- the next county south of Jefferson County -- on 16 Nov 2004.

In 2005, the 1st soybean rust in Mississippi was located on a single leaf pulled on 13 Jul 2005 from a soybean sentinel plot in George County in south east Mississippi. The state's only other infected county last year [2005] was Pearl River County (about 2 counties south of Jefferson County) about this time last year on 5 Aug 2005.

Source: Mississippi state commentary on the USDA PIPE website archives:
<http://www.StopSoybeanRust.com>.

[byline: Marilyn Cummins]

[2] ASR on soybean - Florida: 1st report for Jefferson County in 2006
Date: 28 Jul 2006
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: Dtnsoybeanrustcenter.com [edited]
<http://www.dtnsoybeanrustcenter.com/index.cfm?show=10&mid=65&pid=43>

Florida reports more soybean rust

Another outbreak of Asian soybean rust was confirmed in a soybean sentinel plot in north Florida, USDA reported on its soybean rust website.

The outbreak represents the 13th Florida county and the 27th US county to report an outbreak in 2006.

A soybean sentinel plot in Jefferson County in northern Florida was confirmed positive for soybean rust on stage 7 leaves collected 27 Jul 2006. Two stage 7 leaves were found to have 2 per cent disease severity; another stage 5 leaf from the same plot was also visually identified to have one pustule of rust, the report said.

This is a 1st for the county in 2006; it was also positive in 2005. A kudzu sample in Alachua County, Florida, also collected 27 Jul 2006, was positive for soybean rust. The site is about 12 miles north of an active infection site on kudzu in Marion County.

Soybean sentinel plots in Gadsden County were positive from a 21 Jul 2006 sample. These are within 3 miles of a known positive kudzu site.

All positive plots are actively sporulating. It appears recent rains have begun to spread the disease. No other sentinel plots in the panhandle are known to be positive at this time, Florida researchers said in comments on the USDA website.

"We have returned to a more normal rainfall pattern, with most days having rain somewhere in the region, although often it is very local. Still, in the panhandle, we are about 50 per cent below normal rainfall for the year."

Humidity is high and dew is present, so infections and sporulation are ongoing in infected plots.

"As most counties are still negative, risk of rust to soybean growers in Florida is still minimal at this time. However, growers should reevaluate the situation frequently," the researchers said.

[3] ASR on soybeans - Louisiana: First report in 2006
Date: 26 Jul 2006
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: Stopsoybeanrust.com [edited]
<http://www.stopsoybeanrust.com/viewStory.asp?StoryID=891>

First soybean rust found on soybeans in Louisiana

The 1st Asian soybean rust on soybeans in Louisiana this year [2006] was confirmed in Rapides Parish today [26 Jul 2006], and growers are being told to spray soybeans in R1 through R5 growth stages.

The infected soybeans are Group Vs and are at R7 growth stage, according to the Louisiana state commentary. This is the farthest west in the United States that soybean rust is active at the moment, and the northern-most point in Louisiana with rust.

In that commentary and in an email to fellow soybean specialists, Louisiana State University plant pathologist Clayton Hollier said growers should consider spraying their soybeans as follows:

"The recommendation is for soybeans in the R1 through R5 growth stages that have a good yield potential to be treated with a rust fungicide. The fungicides for rust control have a triazole alone or in combination with a strobilurin. These products are listed in the 2006 Plant Disease Management Guide and are on the LSU AgCenter Rust website."

Currently, rust has been found on this year's [2006] soybeans in 6 counties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. The rest of the finds have been on kudzu.

Don Hershman, University of Kentucky plant pathologist, told his listserv today that "considering that the incidence of soybean rust in the (LA) plot was 75 per cent, this is a significant find. It suggests to me that we could soon see an upturn in soybean rust findings in the lower Midsouth in areas that have had disease-favorable weather recently."

Hershman said to note that "conditions have been very dry in much of Mississippi and Arkansas and portions of Louisiana. Thus, not all sections of the lower Midsouth have been favorable for soybean rust. The risk of soybean rust in KY is still very low at this time."

A total of 26 counties have reported rust this year [2006] and include 5 in Alabama, 12 in Florida, 5 in Georgia, 3 in Louisiana, and one in Texas.

Source: Louisiana commentary on <http://www.sbrusa.net> and Don Hershman's listserv email.

[4] ASR on soybean - Florida: 1st report for Gadsden County in 2006
Date: 25 Jul 2006
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: Stopsoybeanrust.com [edited]
<http://www.stopsoybeanrust.com/viewStory.asp?StoryID=889>

Soybean rust found in 3 Gadsden County, Florida sentinel plots

Florida officials say soybean rust was found on 3 sentinel soybean plots in Gadsden County in north central Florida. These sites were located within 3 miles of an infected kudzu site.

Currently, rust has only been found on this year's [2006] soybeans in 5 different counties in 3 states (Alabama, Florida and Georgia); the rest of the finds have been on kudzu. A total of 25 counties have reported rust this year and include 5 in Alabama, 12 in Florida, 5 in Georgia, 2 in Louisiana, and one in Texas.

This is the full report of the new Florida finds from the state commentary:
In samples taken the week of 17 Jul 2006, the 3 sentinel plots in Gadsden County were positive from a 21 Jul 2006 sample. These are all located within 3 miles of a known positive kudzu site. All positive plots are actively sporulating.

The county has had infected kudzu, and it appears that recent rains have begun to spread the disease. Each of the plots was planted to MGIII, MGV, and MGVII beans and is now at growth stages R6, R5, and R3, respectively.
In 2 of the plots, one sporulating rust pustule was observed in a 100-leaf sample from the MGIII variety; in the 3rd plot 2 leaves from the MGVII variety were heavily infected.

Most of the Florida panhandle has had one or more rain events since these samples were taken, and it looks like rain again today. No other sentinel plots in the panhandle are known to be positive at this time.

These are the 1st positive soybean sentinel plots in north Florida. With the recent rains, the positive kudzu sites around the state are beginning to develop disease rapidly with abundant sporulation; however no new positive kudzu sites have been found recently.

North central Florida has returned to a more normal rainfall pattern, with most days having rain somewhere in the region, although often it is very local. Still, in the panhandle, areas are about 50 per cent below normal rainfall for the year. Humidity is high and dew is present, so infections and sporulation are ongoing in infected plots.

As most counties are still negative, risk of rust to soybean growers in Florida is still minimal at this time. However growers should reevaluate the situation frequently.

A Florida rust "hotline" has been established. A nation-wide toll free number -- (866) 361-9942 -- can be used to access it.

Source: National and Florida commentary on <http://www.sbrusa.net>

[5] ASR on soybean - Georgia: 1st report for Brooks County in 2006
Date: 24 Jul 2006
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: Stopsoybeanrust.com [edited]
<http://www.stopsoybeanrust.com/viewStory.asp?StoryID=888>

Soybean rust found on soybean in Brooks County, Georgia

Georgia officials reported today [24 Jul 2006] a soybean rust find on soybeans in Brooks County. The 2 previous finds in this county have been on kudzu.

According to the state commentary, "The soybean sample was collected from a soybean field grown for an industry product trial, and rust was confirmed with a microscope. 10 or so leaves were examined, and all 10 leaves were infected with sporulating soybean rust pustules.

"South Georgia has been getting some rainfall over the last couple of weeks, and we are starting to detect more soybean rust, perhaps due to recent rainfall. Soybean rust had already been confirmed in the same county on kudzu at 2 different locations, so this find was not a surprise."

Currently, rust has only been found on this year's [2006] soybeans in 4 different counties in 3 states (AL, FL, GA); the rest of the finds have been on kudzu. A total of 25 counties have reported rust this year and include 5 in Alabama, 12 in Florida, 5 in Georgia, 2 in Louisiana, and one in Texas.

Source: Georgia commentary on <http://www.sbrusa.net>.

--
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Asian soybean rust(ASR) is a plant disease caused by the fungus _Phakopsora pachyrhizi_ and was introduced into the USA in 2004. In addition to the crop plant soybean (_Glycine max_), cowpeas, green beans, and other edible legumes could be affected by the ASR pathogen, which causes defoliation and yield reduction. Kudzu (_Pueraria lobata_, also known as Japanese arrowroot) is an important alternate host for the pathogen in southern states of the USA.

In this update, 1st reports in 2006 are provided for ASR on soybean in Louisiana and Mississippi and for specific counties in Georgia and Florida.
Most reports are for locations where ASR on kudzu has been reported previously. Dry weather, which is non-conducive for the spread of ASR, is also mentioned in several reports. Recommendations to spray crops as a preventive measure have been issued based on some of these observations.

This update records new findings of ASR since the report of 10 Jul 2006 of ASR in soybeans in Decatur County, Georgia. The USDA national commentary recaps at the beginning of August 2006 that: "Currently, rust has been found on this year's soybeans in 8 different counties in 5 states (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS); the rest of the finds have been on kudzu. A total of 28 counties have reported rust this year: 5 in Alabama, 13 in Florida, 5 in Georgia, 3 in Louisiana, one in Mississippi and one in Texas." The majority of detections in soybean have been in sentinel plots, and a major outbreak of ASR on commercial soybean crops has yet to be reported in 2006.

Maps:
Asian soybean rust outbreaks 2006 <http://www.sbrusa.net>
Pictures:
<http://www.dtnsoybeanrustcenter.com/index.cfm?show=65&mid=60&page=ALL>
Diagnosis cards (broadband best)
<http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/sbr/SBR_IDcard_11-04.pdf>
Links: <http://www.sbrusa.net>
National commentary, updates from states, maps, chronology.
<http://www.stopsoybeanrust.com/mc_home.asp>
Latest news, articles, maps and tracking information.
<http://www.dtnsoybeanrustcenter.com/index.cfm?show=10&mid=31>
Latest news, articles and other information.
<http://www.stopsoybeanrust.com/mc_resources.asp>
More links on ASR. - Mod.JAD]

[see also in the archive:
Soybean rust, Asian strain Update 2006 (08): USA 20060711.1898 Soybean rust, Asian strain update 2006 (07): USA 20060703.1830 Soybean rust, Asian strain update 2006 (06): USA 20060616.1667 Soybean rust, Asian strain update 2006 (05): USA 20060612.1642 Soybean rust, Asian strain update 2006 (04): USA 20060518.1402 Soybean rust, asian strain update 2006 (03): USA 20060226.0622 Soybean rust, Asian strain update 2006 (02): USA 20060221.0568 Soybean rust - Mexico: 1st report 20060219.0546 Soybean rust, Asian strain update 2006 20060214.0482 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (GA) 20060208.0415 ProMED-Plant Disease Report: July - December 2005 20060201.0331
2005
---
Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA: 2005 disease summary 20051228.3694 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (KY)(02): confirmed 20051219.3640 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate) (10) 20051218.3628 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (KY): 1st report 20051123.3404 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate)(09) 20051101.3187 Soybean rust, Asian strain, kudzu control 20051006.2914 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (GA)(05) 20051005.2902 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (AL)(04) 20050917.2743 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate)(08) 20050913.2711 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate) (07) 20050909.2672 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (GA) (04) 20050905.2623 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate)(04) 20050829.2556 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (GA)(03) 20050827.2531 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (AL)(03) 20050826.2528 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (AL)(02) 20050824.2496 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (SC) 20050818.2414 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (FL)(03) 20050815.2386 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (Multistate)(06) 20050808.2318 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate)(05): susp. 20050806.2291 Soybean rust - USA (multistate)(04) 20050806.2289 Asian soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate) 20050724.2133 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (AL) 20050715.2029 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate)(03) 20050714.2005 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate)(02): Florida 20050708.1938 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (multistate) 20050702.1868 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (LA) 20050624.1769 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (FL) (02) 20050620.1731 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (GA) 20050505.1245 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (GA) 20050429.1196 Soybean rust, Asian strain - USA (FL): 1st report 2005 20050309.0693]