Soybean rust confirmed in southeast Texas

Asian soybean rust has been detected at low levels in Texas in kudzu near Dayton (Liberty County), just northeast of Houston and north of Interstate 10. No rust has seen in nearby soybeans or in kudzu to the north, according to an advisory posted on USDA's soybean rust web site this afternoon. There have been scattered thunder showers during the past week, but hot, dry weather will not support development of an epidemic in the next few weeks, the advisory noted.

The initial posting by Texas Extension said that preventative fungicide applications were not being recommended at the current time. "We will monitor the progression of rust in Liberty County and work closely with the growers there to determine the appropriateness and timing of fungicide applications," the advisory stated. "Growers in other areas of the state should continue to monitor for rust."