Asian rust

Fig. 10.7 Challenges from new diseases Asian rust in soybeans.

Asian Soybean Rust became an economic threat to the Brazilian soybean crop in 2002. Fungicide applications rose from less than 5.00/A (<1% of operating costs in 2001) to over 40/A (>15% of operating costs) by 2005 (Fig. 21.14). Costs rose for three reasons (i) the disease spread and affected more regions (ii) the Real strengthened and as a result increased the cost of the base products and (iii) the intensity of the disease increased, causing farmers to spray multiple times (Fig. 21.15). 

Fig. 21.14. Costs associated with Asian Soybean Rust in Brazil (2000-2006) in Mato Grosso, Brazil (Source Ma, 2007).

Robinson R A. USDA s Preparation for Asian Soybean Rust. Available http //www. gao.gOv/new.items/d05668r.pdf. 

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