Initially confirmed in November 2004, the first case of Asian Soybean Rust has been documented in the continental United States in Louisiana.

Soybean rust is a fungal disease that can cause large crop and economic losses to soybean growers because of decreases in yield and/or increased fungicide application cost.

The spores of Asian Soybean Rust can be spread over extremely long distances by the wind. The spores are currently believed to have arrived in air currents from South America where the disease is prevalent. With potential yield losses ranging from 10 to 80 percent, early detection is key to limiting the financial impact to growers.

Although most producers and crop advisers are aware of the potential of soybean rust, questions still remain regarding the potential for the problem this year, the details on controlling the disease and how we will know if it is in our fields.

To address these concerns, several Penn State Cooperative Extension offices in our area will offer a videoconference on soybean rust from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 17.

The meeting will feature an update on the status of soybean rust in the Southern states, presentation of monitoring networks and disease forecasts at state and national levels, and detailed information about fungicides and application technology.

In our area, the Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer and Westmoreland county offices will be hosting the workshop. Individuals interested in participating in the workshop are asked to register with the location they wish to attend.

To register, contact the workshop sites in Beaver County at 724-774-3003; Lawrence County at 724-654-8370; Mercer County at 724-662-3141; or Westmoreland County at 724-837-1402.

For more information on soybean rust management for corn and soybean crops, go to Penn State's Web site at cornandsoybeans.psu.edu/