Alabama Extension Scientists and State’s Farmers Prepare to Combat Devastating Plant Disease

Scientists with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the state’s soybean farmers are preparing to do battle with a new foe, Asian soybean rust. While Asian soybean rust was found on soybeans in 18 Alabama counties last fall, this will be the first planting season where growers will have to take the disease into consideration.

Dr. Edward Sikora, a plant pathologist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said the disease could be a significant problem if it becomes widespread in the United States.

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Soundbites with Dr. Ed Sikora

Soundbite 1: He discusses disease's possible impact on U.S. soybean growers. 18 secs Download file

Soundbite 2: Sikora describes disease symptoms and spread. 35 secs
Download file

Soundbite 3: He discusses availability of fungicides to control the disease. 25 secs Download file

Soundbite 4: Sikora explains use of sentinel plots as an advance warning system for Alabama growers. 18 secs Download file

Posted by mlawrenc at May 13, 2005 09:18 AM | TrackBack