June 24, 2004

Argentine Farmers Dealing With Asian Soybean Rust

Argentina's soybean farmers are tackling the challenges that come with soybean rust as the disease is detected in that country. Eleven of Argentina's 24 soybean-growing provinces have shown signs of the disease. Although soybean rust surfaced late in the season, farmers are preparing for a bigger threat in the 2004-2005 growing season.

The government has launched a campaign to train farmers in detecting the fungus, which withers the plant's leaves and saps their ability to produce soybeans. The government is also looking at special approvals for fungicides and a change in planting dates.

Argentina was helped by a drought this year, since the disease needs a humid climate and a newly planted crop to thrive. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, although the disease poses no risk to consumers, it can wipe out up to 80 percent of the crop if allowed to flourish in moist conditions.