The goal is to develop a predictive tool to detect early disease spread. The researchers will collect and analyze baseline environmental data from several locations where sentinel plots have been established for monitoring soybean rust. They will then establish correlations between specific weather conditions and the first detection and spread of soybean rust.

Establishing baseline information on the environmental conditions that contribute to the movement of Asian soybean rust spores and subsequent infection in soybean will allow researchers and Extension specialists to develop a better understanding the epidemiology of soybean rust. This project could also assist in the development...