Virginia confirms 2 rust finds; no action needed

This was posted today on USDA's soybean rust web site:

Asian soybean rust was detected from samples collected on October 10 from a commercial field in Chesapeake and from the Suffolk sentinel plot. After incubating the leaves for 3 days in moisture chambers, Dr. Pat Phipps examined the leaves under a stereoscope on Saturday, October 14 (see photos below). The Chesapeake sample of 100+ leaflets showed only seven leaflets with pustules which ranged from one per leaflet up to 7 or 8 per leaflet. Most (in the Chesapeake sample) had either one or two pustules. The Suffolk sample of 100+ leaflets had pustules on only two leaflets; two on one leaflet and one on another leaflet. Samples from Southampton County were negative for soybean rust.

Although Virginia is no longer at risk to soybean rust, we will continue to scout and track the movement of the disease through the Commonwealth.