Iowa Soybean Rust Web Page

Published: 1/31/2008

The potential yield loss to soybeans in the U.S. from one year to the next because of Asian soybean rust continues to be unknown even though modeling programs continue to be developed from previous years information.

"In essence, we dodged a bullet this year, although we're still handling a loaded gun," said Merle Pierson, Department of Agriculture under secretary for research, education and economics, during the mid-December 2007 National Soybean Rust Symposium in Louisville.

Soybean rust was detected farther west and north than ever. The drought in the Southeast wasn't favorable for devastating yield loss, and rust spores that spread farther north than ever didn't arrive in time to affect yield.