December 18, 2006

More Asian soybean rust discovered in Brazil

Brazil's crop science institute, Embrapa, said 17 new discoveries of Asian soybean rust were found from Dec 8 through Dec 14 in six states, the local Estado newswire reported.

The discoveries were made in Mato Grosso do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso, Parana, Sao Paulo and Goais, all of the main soy-producing states.

All told, 63 discoveries of Asian soybean rust have been made in the 2006-07 soy crop. Rain in regions were the discoveries were made in the center-west this week is seen impeding fungicide coverage on the infected plants.

Embrapa said that Asian soybean rust is under control so far this season.

Brazil is the world's second largest soy producer behind the US and is expecting a 56.1 million tonne soy harvest, according to the Agriculture Ministry.