Basf monitoring network informs about the favorable conditions for the occurrence of rust in soybean crops in RS, PR and MT

The weather conditions forecast for the next 7 days indicate favorability for the development of Asian rust in soybean crops in important producing regions in Brazil. The survey is carried out by the AgroDetecta service, BASF's climate monitoring network in partnership with the ABC Foundation. The service assists producers in planning phytosanitary management and monitoring the harvest.

the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, which causes Asian rust, is highly dependent on weather conditions. The most relevant variables in the processes of infection and development of the fungus in soybean crops are: presence of the inoculum, duration of the leaf wetness period, temperature and relative humidity. 

Paraná

Following these variables, AgroDetecta indicates favorability for the evolution of Asian rust in practically all producing regions of Paraná, the state that has the highest number of cases of the disease to date. In municipalities in the west and north such as Londrina, Maringá, Cafelândia and Cascavel, for example, the period of leaf wetness in soybean plants should last longer, depending on the relative humidity and temperatures predicted for the next few days. 

“This fungus has adapted very well to soybean-producing regions in Brazil. With just over 6 hours of dew and a temperature range between 15 and 28°C, this fungus already begins the process of infection and colonization of soybean leaves”, highlights Helio Costa, Soy Manager at BASF.

 Rio Grande do Sul

Producers in the northwest and northeast regions of Rio Grande do Sul should also be aware of the favorable conditions for the development of the disease.

 Mato Grosso

In the state of Mato Grosso, the largest soybean producer in Brazil, the southeast, southwest and northwest regions are those most likely to cause rust. 

Effective management

In the final stretch of the soybean harvest, rural producers cannot neglect their crops. With rain forecast for the next few days, the challenges become even greater. An error in management can cause major crop losses. “These weather conditions predicted for the next few days have required more careful monitoring and control from the producer. The recommendation is to pay attention to the application technique, carry out preventive management and use efficient fungicides with different mechanisms of action, associated with multi-site fungicides for a better result”, says Helio Costa, Soy Marketing Manager at BASF.