December 9, 2004

Purdue plant pathologist leads soybean rust seminar

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Soybean growers who want to learn more about soybean rust can attend a free seminar during the Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Equipment Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Ray Martyn, head of the Purdue University Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, will present the seminar at 1 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 14) in the fairgrounds' West Pavilion.

The farm show runs from Tuesday through Thursday (Dec. 14-16). Admission and parking is free.

The tentative title of Martyn's presentation is "Soybean Rust: When, Where, Why, How and What." The seminar will last about one hour, with time allowed for questions.

"I'm going to go over the symptoms of soybean rust, how it got here, control methods and what to expect next season here in the Midwest," Martyn said.

Soybean rust is a fungal disease spread by wind-blown spores. The disease causes plant defoliation, poor pod set and fill, and, ultimately, reduced yields. In the past month, rust was found in soybean fields in eight southern states and Missouri.

The Brownfield Network, the nation's largest farm radio network, is sponsoring the soybean rust seminar. Brownfield's Gary Truitt will be the program's host.

"The best tool for managing soybean rust, should it reach Indiana in 2005, will be information," said Cyndi Young, Brownfield farm director. "This seminar will offer producers some insight into managing this potentially devastating fungus."

Martyn's presentation is among a series of educational seminars planned during the three-day Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Equipment Show.

In its 26th year, the show features the latest in tractors, implements, mowers and other agricultural machinery and products from about 350 exhibitors.

For more information about the farm show, visit the show Web site or call (843) 686-5640.

Writer: Steve Leer, (765) 494-8415, sleer@purdue.edu

Sources: Ray Martyn, (765) 494-4614, rmartyn@purdue.edu

Lane McConnell, Brownfield Network, (573) 556-1242

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Related Web sites:
Purdue Ag Communication Soybean Rust Page

Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory Soybean Rust Page

To the News Service home page