The active weather patterns experienced this summer may increase the probability North Carolina farmers will see this disease before the end of the growing season.
Several fungicides have been approved for use against soybean rust. Some are to be applied prior to disease detection to help prevent disease development, while others have some curative qualities to help keep the disease in check after plants have been infected.
While it is a grower's decision as to when to begin application of these fungicides, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service recommend that applications of the preventative products not begin until there is a reasonable threat of the disease in North Carolina.
For guidance on when fungicide applications may be needed, growers should contact their local extension office or Dr. Stephen Koenning, research assistant professor and extension specialist with the NCSU Department of Plant Pathology, who has been scouting for soybean rust in North Carolina.
Prudent use of these fungicides is important for several reasons. First, the number of applications that can legally be applied to soybeans is limited. Therefore, every application needs to count. Second, just like with any pesticide, unnecessary use needlessly increases pesticide levels in the environment and can encourage resistance development, shortening the useful life of the product. Third, fungicides can be expensive.
Soybean rust was first discovered in the continental United States last year in Louisiana. Shortly afterwards, the disease was also confirmed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Several Web sites provide important soybean rust information that can help growers make informed decisions regarding fungicide applications. Topics include disease tracking, scouting, identification, control options and contact information.
