Soybean rust surrounds northeastern Louisiana

MONROE, La. (AP) — Asian soybean rust, a fungus that can wipe out a field of soybeans in three weeks if left unchecked, is creeping closer to northeastern Louisiana.

The fungus has been confirmed in commercial fields in Avoyelles and Rapides. It has also been found in Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas, surrounding northeastern Louisiana but yet to penetrate.

"It's quite visible now in central Louisiana," said David Lanclos, a soybean specialist with the LSU AgCenter. "That doesn't necessarily mean that it will make it to northeastern Louisiana, but the bottom line is that ASR is spreading each year since first discovered in the U.S. (in 2004)."

But even if the fungus appears, it can usually be controlled through fungicide applications if producers are diligent.

"This is the first time we've seen a significant infestation in a commercial field with the surrounding areas also infested," said David Boethel, vice chancellor for research in the LSU AgCenter, of the central Louisiana infestations. "The good news, however, is that our scientists have been on top of the situation — watching sentinel fields, communicating with farmers and consultants, conducting research and much more to combat this problem.

"I think that the soybean producers in the state have been warned and have been poised to take action. Many of them probably already have done so."

Experts earlier had found the disease on "sentinel plots" — specially planted soybean fields that were being watched for any signs of the disease — in Avoyelles and Rapides in late June.

"The sentinel plots are working in all of the states because it gives us early warnings and the ability to assess the risks to commercial fields," Lanclos said.

Keith Welch, who planted about 400 acres of soybeans in West Carroll Parish, said he has already applied fungicide to part of his crop.

"It increases the input costs, but with beans selling for about $8 (per bushel) we feel like we can afford to do it," Welch said. "I'm wondering whether the rust is going to impact us in the same way that it did in South America.

"I haven't heard of anyone's fields being wiped out here even if they confirmed rust in the fields. But my thoughts may change if it shows up in one of my neighbor's fields."

Welch said he follows the trail of rust through e-mail updates and on the Internet.

"We're definitely keeping an eye on it," he said.
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