Plant Health Initiative

A comprehensive reference guide. Read online or order your free print copy from NCSRP by calling 1-. Orders for mailing within the U.S. only, please. Avoid a tank tri-mix on soybean Why it's not a good idea to tank mix fungicide, herbicide, and insecticide (pdf) (University of Wisconsin)

Asian Soybean Rust - Management

 

Rust-resistant soybean varieties

Planting resistant varieties has been very successful in managing cereal rusts on corn and wheat, and is expected to be an effective, long-term solution for soybean rust as well.

Soybean breeders and plant pathologists have been field-testing resistant soybean germplasm in the U.S. for several years now. Several hundred soybean lines are evaluated annually in eight or more different locations and researchers reported a clear sorting of resistant reactions compared to susceptible soybean varieties. Several genes for resistance have been identified and named. The next step is to make the selections, and to cross the resistant germplasm with "elite parents"—- soybean varieties with the desired agronomic characteristics.

 

Foliar fungicides

In the meantime, proper application of an appropriate fungicide at the earliest time possible after rust is detected has been shown to effectively manage rust. There are several factors to consider in making spray decisions to manage soybean rust. Generally, fungicide should not be applied until the risk of infection is high and the crop is at a susceptible growth stage of R1 to R6. A nationwide, real-time monitoring and forecasting system is in place (USDA ipmPIPE). Use that system to guide spray decisions.

Choosing the right fungicide, timing, and coverage of the low and mid-canopy are the important factors for success. Read the updated reference guide Using Foliar Fungicides to Manage Soybean Rust for more details.