Bob Mulrooney, Extension Plant Pathologist; bobmul@udel.edu
On June 17, soybean rust was found in three kudzu sites in Taylor County in the big bend area of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Taylor County is adjacent to Jefferson County where rust was detected in two kudzu sites on June 15. Soybean rust scouting continues in the U.S. and Mexico. In 2009, soybean rust has been found in five states and 22 counties in the United States, and in two states and five municipalities in Mexico. Soybean rust was found on soybean in Louisiana and Alabama about three weeks ahead of normal. There are also earlier than usual finds in South Georgia. These finds are cause for concern, but not alarm. Most of the soybean rust sentinel plots have been planted but the wet weather is continuing to hinder soybean planting.