According to Arkansas Extension Plant Pathologist Scott Monfort, the soybean rust is still spreading throughout the Southeast, and particularly in the Arkansas Delta, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Therefore, the Delta Farm Press is reporting that “Producers in all soybean-growing counties in Arkansas are being advised to consider treating soybeans in the R1 to mid-R5 with good yield potential for soybean rust.”Monfort is quoted in the Delta Farm Press article stating the following:
“The prolonged cool, cloudy, and wet conditions have allowed soybean rust to become very active and aggressive. This disease is more than likely in all soybean counties throughout the Delta and possibly the Arkansas River Valley. . . For this reason, along with continued chances of rain and cloudy conditions in the state, we have made a few changes to our Soybean Rust Spray Advisory. We are strongly encouraging producers in all soybean growing counties in the state to consider treating soybeans in the R1 to mid-R5 with good yield potential for soybean rust. This year, soybean rust has proven to be more aggressive than in any other year since it first arrived into the U.S. and Arkansas.”Additionally, fields that were sprayed at R2 to ‘“early R4”’ a few weeks ago should continue to be scouted for rust if below R5. Some of these fields may require a second treatment. ‘“We have observed several fields that needed to have the second application due to disease pressure.”’ Because of the necessary drying time for fungicide to be fully effective, producers are recommended to only apply after rainy conditions have passed.
For more information on Arkansas soybean rust and the recommendations click here.
