The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is under a spray advisory due to documented soybean rust, reports Southwest Farm Press.

Soybean rust is a disease caused by two types of fungi and is spread by wind-borne spores. Fungicides can be used preventively and can cure infected plants. If plants are left untreated, it can result in total plant loss.

Scout fields regularly and examine the lower canopy of the plant. If rust is found, “take action immediately to fend off crop damage,” recommends Tom Isakeit, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension plant pathologist.

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