Asian Soybean Rust Discovered in Two Missouri Counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 26, 2007
Contact: Adam Buckallew (573) 635-3819

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Asian Soybean Rust has been discovered in Pemiscot and Scott counties in the Bootheel of Missouri. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the rust findings, which marks the first time rust has been discovered in Missouri this year. The fungus has been detected in 13 states so far in 2007, including Illinois and Kansas.

“Most soybean fields throughout Missouri have already matured to the point that rust shouldn’t be a factor,” said Dale R. Ludwig, executive director/CEO of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC). “We recommend farmers contact their local extension office if they suspect they’ve found rust in their fields.”

At this point in the growing season, rust is not expected to have a significant impact on soybean yields. According to the USDA, 82 percent of Missouri’s soybean fields are turning yellow and 52 percent are dropping leaves. Double-crop soybeans and fields planted late in the growing season are the most susceptible to damage from rust.

The MSMC is currently funding research at the University of Missouri-Columbia to identify soybean varieties which demonstrate natural resistance to Asian Soybean Rust. Through cross breeding, researchers hope to develop varieties capable of withstanding the detriments of rust.

The MSMC administers soybean checkoff funding on behalf of Missouri growers. Soybean farmers contribute one-half of one percent of their net receipts for the commodity to fund a variety of projects aimed at increasing the profitability of soybean farming. To learn more, call (800) 662-3261 or visit the MSMC Web page at www.mosoy.org.

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© Missouri Soybean Programs
PO Box 104778
3337 Emerald Lane
Jefferson City, MO 65110
Phone: (573) 635-3819
Fax: (573) 635-5122
email: mosoy@mosoy.org