Agriculture Production : Usda Needs to Build on 2005 Experience to Minimize the Effects of Asian Soy Bean Rust in the Future

In 2005, U.S. agriculture faced potentially devastating losses from Asian Soybean Rust (ASR), a fungal disease that spreads airborne spores. Fungicides approved by the EPA can protect against ASR. In 2005, growers in 31 states planted about 72 million soybean acres worth about $17 billion. While favorable weather conditions limited losses due to ASR, it still threatens the soybean industry. In May 2005, a report described the USDA's efforts to prepare for ASR's entry. This report examines: (1) USDA's strategy to minimize ASR's effects in 2005 & the lessons learned to improve future efforts; & (2) USDA, EPA, & other's efforts to develop, test, & license fungicides for ASR & to identify & breed soybeans that tolerate it. Charts & tables.Bertoni, Daniel is the author of 'Agriculture Production : Usda Needs to Build on 2005 Experience to Minimize the Effects of Asian Soy Bean Rust in the Future', published 2006 under ISBN 9781422307304 and ISBN 1422307301.