Movement of Phakopsora pachyrhizi (soybean rust) spores by non-conventional means

Soybean, caused by the rust fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is the most important foliar pathogen infecting soybean. Historically, the disease was important only in the Eastern Hemisphere, but since 1994 the disease has been reported in many countries in Africa and the Americas. In the U.S.A., soybean rust has been perceived as a threat to soybean production and monitoring of the disease occurs throughout the country where soybean is grown. The objectives of this study were to show conclusive evidence that soybean rust spores can be transported by non-conventional means such as clothing. The implication may affect how researchers approach monitoring this disease in research and sentinel plots.