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Soybean Rust is a
disease caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizia. It is most
destructive in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. It
has recently been found in Africa and South America. It is not known to occur in
the United States.
The rust fungus causes lesions
on the leaves, stem and pods. The main effects on the soybean plant is the
destruction of photosynthetic tissue, premature defoliation and reduction of the
number of days to maturity. The effect on yield is lower seed weight and fewer
pods and seeds.
The rust pathogen has a wide host range of over
30 legume species. It is an obligate pathogen, which means it needs living host
cells to survive.
(Photo © G. L. Hartman)
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