For the first time, soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) has been documented as overwintering on kudzu (Pueraria montana) without any break in detection in Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana. Scientists are still exploring what the full effect of this may be, but it is possible for infected kudzu in these areas to act as a primary source for the disease.
For more information, take a look at the full story in The Gleaner. For the latest information on the distribution and spread of soybean rust, see the Soybean Rust ipmPIPE.
