Long distant transport of spores will be a factor in determining whether or not Asian soybean rust (ASR) causes a problem in Minnesota in any given year. This is an educational opportunity for those of you that are curious as to how ASR rust spores could have been detected at Lamberton (and other locations) last summer and more generally, the short and long distance movement of pathogens with winds.

• Dr. Sagar Krupa, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota, will discuss his efforts to model the transport of airborne soybean rust spores. He will present information on the factors influencing spore transport and present his thoughts as to the points of origin of the spores detected last summer.

• Dr. Jim Kurle will be present to relate rust biology to these weather models and to discuss the ASR surveillance program for 2006.

• Extension pathologist Dean Malvick might also be available to discuss 2005 fungicide efficacy studies for soybean rust in the US.

The availability of this group from the U of M Plant Pathology department sets the stage for a lively mini-symposia discussion.

When:

Thursday March 23 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Where:

The Kaiserhoff Restaurant
221 N Minnesota Street, downtown New Ulm, MN
You may want to come early for lunch (on your own) and preliminary discussion.

It will help to get a rough head count, particularly as a courtesy to the restaurant, for this event. Please contact Molly Werner at werne022@tc.umn.edu or 507-752-7372 by March 20 if you are planning to attend.

This event is geared towards ag professionals and producers that already have an understanding of ASR. This is a chance to hear from and interact with a University of Minnesota Researcher whose work you may not be familiar with. If you are interested in ASR I believe you will find this seminar worthwhile.