Fighting Asian Soybean Rust in 2006

The U.S. did not see high levels of Asian Soybean Rust (ASR) in 2005, but soybean experts are saying that ASR is still a threat and soybean growers should diligently watch and prepare for rust in 2006.

Warmer winter temperatures in the Southern U.S. caused more overwintering of ASR on kudzu in 2006 (as compared to 2005), which could mean more spore development. Also, with ASR discovered in early 2006 in both Texas and Mexico, industry experts are warning that typical wind patterns could blow rust spores into the Midwest.

Yet, thankfully, there is an effective way to fight ASR.

According to Wayne Pedersen, a plant pathologist with the National Soybean Research Center at the University of Illinois, the way to fight rust is simple. "Growers should treat plants with fungicides at the R3 growth stage since that is likely to pay off whether rust comes or not." ("Rust or not, growers may want to spray fungicides this year," Agri-News Publications, January 23, 2006)

Research has proven that two of the right tools effective for fighting this yield-devastating disease are HeadlineŽ and HeadlineŽ SBR.

By using Headline and following these recommendations, you can be sure you are taking the right steps to protect your crop and investment in soybeans.

Asian Soybean Rust is NOT present in field or area

Application 1: HeadlineŽ 6 oz/acre + adjuvant

• Apply when soybeans are at the R2-R3 growth stage
• Do not delay application while waiting for rust since other foliar diseases will reduce yield
• Thorough canopy coverage is essential

Application 2: HeadlineŽ SBR*, IF:

• Monitoring indicates rust has moved into area or field, and
• Soybeans haven't reached R6 growth stage
• BENEFIT: Plant Health and curative rust control

Asian Soybean Rust IS present or suspected in field or area

Application 1: Headline SBR* @ 7.8 oz/ac

• Thorough canopy coverage is essential
• BENEFIT: Plant Health and rust control

Application 2: HeadlineŽ SBR*, IF:

• Weather and disease movement is conductive to a re-infestation of soybean rust, AND
• Soybeans are not past R6
• BENEFIT: Plant Health and rust control

NOTE: Headline SBR is approved only for control of Asian soybean rust. Do not use an adjuvant in combination with Headline SBR if soybeans are growing under high stress conditions (i.e., hot, dry).