With the discovery of Asian soybean rust in the United States earlier this fall, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture is conducting educational meetings to help producers and agricultural professionals better understand the disease and its implications.

The 10 meetings will take place across the state beginning Jan. 25, 2005, in Hickman. Producers, county Extension agents, crop consultants, agricultural dealers and anyone interested in learning more about soybean rust, its management and implications to Kentucky and U.S. agriculture are invited to attend, said Don Hershman, UK Extension plant pathologist.

Hershman along with UK grain crops specialists Jim Herbek and Chad Lee will present the program. Soybean rust disease identification and development, risk to the 2005 soybean crop, disease management strategies and agronomic considerations will be discussed.

A considerable amount of time will be devoted to fungicide control decisions and use strategies, he said. The nuances of making effective fungicide applications to full canopy soybeans will be discussed as will the advantages and disadvantages of available fungicides. Attendees also will hear an update on available and pending fungicides.

Participants will receive a soybean rust identification pocket card. A meal will be provided by the Kentucky Soybean Association. To register for a meeting location or for more information, contact your county Extension office. For more information on soybean rust, log on to the plant pathology web site.

Certified crop advisor credit hours have been approved for two general pesticide applicator training hours plus two category specific hours for categories 1a – ag applicator; 1b – ag fumigation; 4 – seed treatment; 10 – demonstration and research; and 12 – pesticide retail sales (dealer).

Below is the list of training dates and locations.

Jan. 25 – National Guard Armory, Hickman, 5 to 9 p.m.

Jan. 27 – Hardin County Extension Office, Elizabethtown , noon to 4 p.m.

Feb. 7 – Pulaski County Extension Office, Somerset , noon to 4 p.m.

Feb. 11 – Fayette County Extension Office, Lexington , 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Feb. 21 – Christian County Extension Office, Hopkinsville , 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Feb. 21 – UK Research and Education Center , Princeton , 2 to 6 p.m.

Feb. 22 – Sacred Heart Church Hall, Waverly, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Feb. 22 – Knights of Columbus Meeting Facility, Owensboro , 2 to 6 p.m.

Feb. 23 – Warren County Extension Office, Bowling Green , 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Feb. 28 – Robert Cherry Civic Center, Paducah , 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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