Will soybean rust make its way to Minnesota soybean fields in 2005? Although there has been much speculation, no one can answer this question with great certainty at the present time. One thing we can be sure of, however, is that early detection of soybean rust will help reduce potential yield losses from this disease.

To assist in the early detection of soybean rust, the University of Minnesota Extension Service and the MN Department of Agriculture will be hosting First Detector Training for Soybean Rust in Hutchinson , MN at the Hutchinson Event Center, 1005 Hwy 15 S., on April 13th. Registration will be at 10:00 am with the program running from 10:15 am to 3:30 pm. Registration and lunch will be provided free of charge.

Ag industry professionals including crop consultants, field scouts, and staff at seed companies, ag retail dealers, ag coops, and other ind ustry businesses, as well as field faculty and staff at the MN Department of Agriculture and University of MN should consider attending this training.

By attending the training, participants commit to becoming a Registered First Detector. A Registered First Detector will 1) Be publicly identified as someone whom others may bring suspected samples of soybean rust, 2) Conduct a preliminary examination of samples to determine if they should be sent in for diagnosis, and 3) Know how to prepare and send selected samples to the U of MN.

To be a Registered First Detector, ag ind ustry professionals must hold at least one of the following certifications: Certified Crop Advisor, Certified Professional Crop Consultant, Certified Professional Agronomist, Certified Professional Crop Specialist or Scientist, or a similar or related certification.

If you are interested in attending this training, please download a registration form from the University of Minnesota soybean rust webpage:

http://www.soybeans.umn.edu/crop/diseases/soybeanrust.htm.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration forms and further questions should be directed to Dean Herzfeld (deanh@umn.edu, FAX 612-625-9728, phone 612-624-3477) at the University of Minnesota Extension Service . An additional training session is being planned for the Red River Valley in mid-April.

This training is made possible through support and contributions from the MN Soybean Growers, MN Soybean Research and Promotion Council, National Pesticide Diagnostics Network, MN Department of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota Extension Service.