Author: Michael Ferrari, PhD
VP, Applied Technology & Research
Despite a healthy seasonal pattern, South American soybeans are becoming susceptible to rust outbreaks this season. The cool and wet El Nino-induced precipitation pattern set the stage for precursor conditions that are conducive for fungal development. Following the development, we are now concerned with transport mechanisms. The Weather Trends map below shows the short range pattern, which is one that puts soybeans in a particularly vulnerable position as they enter the flowering phase in the crop cycle. Drier conditions look to be developing over the next few days, and as this moist front begins to dissipate and migrate eastward, the prevailing winds from the north/northeast will allow for easier fungal and microbial transport, into the soybean regions of Cordoba.
