By Dr. Paul Tracy

Asian soybean rust was the hot topic this season. This is what we know to date (mid-October press time). Asian soybean rust was found in North America for the first time last fall. It was probably introduced compliments of Hurricane Ivan. Soybeans were not affected in 2004, because rust spores were deposited too late in the growing season to adversely affect yield.

Asian soybean rust only survived the winter in a few Florida counties. The dominant winter survival (only documented) host was kudzu that maintained green foliage throughout the winter. As of mid-September 2005, Asian soybean rust spread to 58 U.S. counties and moved as far north as central Alabama. Very few soybean fields have been affected, even in counties where rust is present. Airborne spores resembling Asian soybean rust were found throughout the Southeast and in some areas of the Midwest. In most areas where these spores were captured, soybean rust did not develop.

The research/extension community rallied around rust very well. They provided us with Web sites and daily updates. At MFA Incorporated, we used them constantly. Dr. Laura Sweets, University of Missouri plant pathologist, was our primary local contact. She provided excellent information and handled the Asian soybean rust onslaught in an extremely professional manner.

It was amazing to watch rumors develop from baseline soybean rust information as it was released. I remember rapid increases in fungicide sales and marketing efforts occurring after every significant rust event, regardless of the event's relevance to local environments.

Product manufacturers' response was mixed. They bombarded us with advertisements. Section 18 rust fungicide product labeling and the widespread use of those products that followed was at times questionable. I imagine government agencies will carefully evaluate how Section 18 emergency label rust fungicide products were used in 2005. In spite of the over-zealous marketing efforts, fungicide manufacturers provided invaluable training, field plot evaluation, spore trap programs, disease tracking, research funding and many other rust activities that benefited us all.

MFA Incorporated had an extremely active and stable soybean rust management program in 2005. The following paragraph is an example of the communication that went on within MFA concerning Asian soybean rust:

Soybean Rust Update: 6-22-05

"Over the past few weeks, we have received many calls concerning soybean rust. At this time, rust is only present in a few Florida counties. The S.W. Georgia rust that was present on volunteer soybeans has been destroyed. There is no evidence that rust has moved into MFA's trade territory. Current weather patterns and the hot/dry forecast indicate that rust transport onto and infection into soybeans across our region is extremely improbable over the next few weeks. Lyndon Brush, Jason Paris and myself are monitoring the rust situation at least twice daily. We'll continue to keep you updated."

The above paragraph was followed by product advice and other specific information. I used it as an example to let you know that we had a unified approach to rust. Jason Paris is MFA's manager of northern crop protection markets. Lyndon Brush is MFA's staff agronomist. Last winter, Lyndon was assigned the task of being MFA's "rust guru." He has received considerable rust training and was responsible for MFA's corporate rust management strategies. Our location managers and field agronomists spent incredible effort preparing for rust and providing clientele with updated rust information throughout the growing season.

The title of my April 2005 Today's Farmer column was "An information-based, calm approach to rust." I am very proud to work for an organization that emphasized this approach. We did this in the face of incredible sales and marketing and doomsday-oriented pressure coming from several sources.

The farmer/landowner probably responded best to the rust issue— showing concern, but not fear of Asian soybean rust. By and large, they were not swayed by marketing but followed their instincts and trusted advice from proven partners such as their MFA agronomists. I personally hope that MFA's sound agronomic approach to soybean rust this year solidified that trust.

Do not let your guard down concerning Asian soybean rust in 2006. There is a much larger baseline of rust inoculum going into this winter compared to last. Hard freezes last winter that destroyed rust hosts penetrated deep into central Florida. This winter may be milder.

I remember a prophetic conversation with Dr. Dennis Belcher, technical services representative for BASF Corporation. Dennis felt that if rust was to become a problem in North America, it would be advantageous if in its first year we receive a light dose in a limited area. That would allow us a season to evaluate the problem, but not expose the U.S. soybean industry to massive losses. Well Dennis, we got what you asked for. In 2006, we should all be better prepared to deal with Asian soybean rust should it become a problem.