Researchers at St. Louis University and Iowa State University have created a forecasting tool to help predict the spread of Asian soybean rust. The researchers expect to use the tool this winter to make regional forecasts for various states, including Missouri and Illinois. Last August, the researchers made a rust prediction map that projected the soybean rust spread from South America to the southern U.S. during hurricane season. At the time, the researchers reported their prediction to the United Soybean Board and the Iowa Soybean Promotion Board. The prediction work was part of a project funded by the two groups.

The researchers expect the forecasting tool to become more precise as more information about locations and severity of infestation becomes available.