How does soybean rust spread?
The two fungi that cause soybean rust have a wide spectrum of host plants. Of these hosts, Kudzu has been identified as the most important for over wintering the disease. The fungal spores from the parasites are freely distributed over long distance by the wind; rain splashing up into the leaves will also spread the spores more locally. The spores generally require more than eight hours of continuous wet leaves or humidity in the 75% to 80% range. Temperatures over 86°F will slow the progress of the disease. In ideal conditions, new spores will be released around 10 days after the plant has been infected. How can I identify soybean rust? Focus your attention on: Early maturing varieties of soybeans planted early in the season Sheltered or low lying fields with longer periods of dew Fields that have early canopy closure Look under the lower leaves deep in the canopy with a hand lens, as this is where the disease first manifests itself. You are looking for approximately one eighth inch d
