Soybean rust was found on kudzu in Bay Minette in Baldwin County on June 3. That was the first report of the disease in Alabama in 2014. Rust was found at extremely low levels at this site and was not found in over a dozen other kudzu patches scouted in the region.
This is the first report of soybean rust outside of Florida this year. In late May, the disease was found on kudzu in 6 north central counties in that state.
At this time, soybean rust does not pose a threat to the soybean crop in Alabama. However, with the relatively wet spring, the disease may increase over time. To keep track of its progress we will monitor 20 soybean rust sentinel plots, along with multiple kudzu patches, in over 35 counties across the state on a weekly basis.
For more information on soybean rust (SBR), view the soybean rust website at sbr.ipmpipe.org. When viewing the national map, click on Alabama to read my commentary and suggested management practices for the state.
