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 Crookston , MN at the American Legion Hall, 102 S. Ash Street , Crookston , MN on Tuesday, April 19th. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. If you are interested in attending please download the registration form the University of Minnesota soybean rust webpage:

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

or contact Mary Gieseke, Extension Regional Center Crookston, MN (e-mail: giese029@umn.edu or telephone: 218-281-8027 or 888-241-0781).

Questions regarding the training should be directed to Dean Herzfeld, Pesticide Safety & Environmental Education Program, at the University of Minnesota Extension Service (e-mail: deanh@umn.edu or telephone: 612-624-3477). The program will start at 10:00 am and end about 3:00 pm . There is no registration fee and lunch will be provided. If you have a 15X or 20X hand lens, please bring it with you to the training.

Ag industry professionals including crop consultants, field scouts, and staff at seed companies, ag retail dealers, ag coops, and other industry 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, all 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 industry 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.

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.

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