Yield Loss Prediction Tool for Field-Specific Risk Management of Asian Soybean Rust

Introduction

Asian soybean rust pathogen (SBR) is a serious threat to soybean production since its arrival in the United States. This pathogen has the potential to reduce crop yields by as much as 80% and may require one or several fungicide applications each season. The available fungicides are expensive and can cost $10-$35/acre per application. The risks to producers are obvious. Not using a control measure may decimate their crop, while the use of multiple fungicide applications may result in net economic loss, and increased environmental risks. Questions as to when and how often to spray fungicides to help farmers manage the risks associated with soybean crop production under this new threat has yet to be determined.

The objective of the current study is to predict yield loss from soybean rust damage at various reproductive stages of development. The ultimate aim of this international study funded by the Risk Management Agency is to develop an interactive software tool that would determine the farmer’s current yield potential and the yield loss predicted if SBR should defoliate the crop. The potential yield loss could be weighed against the cost of the fungicide application to make sound management decisions. Such a successful risk management tool would improve producer net economic return and guard against unnecessary fungicide applications that can impact the environment and increase the risk of developing fungicide resistance .

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