Florida Confirms 2nd Soybean Rust Find in Hernando County

In 2005, soybean rust has been confirmed in two continental U.S. counties, both in Florida. The latest and most northerly find was in Hernando County, Florida and was made on March 21, 2005 on new season kudzu foliage.

Spread of disease into more northerly areas is currently inhibited by lack of green host tissue, a USDA Web site reports.

University of Florida researchers say the latest find were on old and new kudzu leaves. The researchers say germination tests confirmed spore viability.