Recently, we received an email asking about the risk for soybean rust in Wisconsin in 2008, especially since growers are considering altering planting plans with the wet conditions found in parts of the state. In examining the situation in the southern U.S., the current risk of soybean rust in Wisconsin is low. Soybean sentinel plots are established across the southern U.S. and an extensive examination of kudzu continues. Also, with support of check-off dollars and the USDA, Wisconsin will have 15 soybean sentinel plots that we will use these to help in our monitoring efforts for soybean rust in the state. 

 

Currently, the last documented soybean rust finds were in mid-April and weather conditions in Texas have been dry. We will continue to monitor progress in areas of Texas and Louisiana over the next few weeks, as these are the areas of greatest concern for the situation in Wisconsin. Also, we have received some questions regarding the situation in Mexico and to the best of our knowledge, the last documented finds there were in late-January/early-February. For further information regarding the current soybean rust situation, consult http://www.sbrusa.net. For general information regarding soybean rust, consult http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu/soyhealth/rust/rust.htm.