Aerial Applicators Prepared to Combat Asian Soybean Rust
NAAA Press Release - February 28, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28, 2005 – The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) members are preparing to combat Asian Soybean Rust before potential outbreaks occur. Asian Soybean Rust can destroy soybean fields in just a few days if precautions and action are not taken.

Since the discovery of Asian Soybean Rust late in 2004 in the southern states of the U.S., aerial applicators have been preparing for the possible outbreaks of the disease. In Brazil, aerial application has been demonstrated to be the most effective means of soybean rust control due to the timeliness of application. Aerial application costs are lower per acre than ground rigs, in that country, and there is no contamination of non infested areas since the aircraft never comes into contact with the soybean plant, unlike ground equipment which can trigger the release of spores when driving through a rust-infested field.

According to NAAA Executive Director Andrew D. Moore, “U.S. aerial applicators are available and prepared to help soybean farmers in the event of a soybean rust breakout. Aerial applicators have a proven track record of effectively applying fungicides to soybeans for a variety of diseases over the last several decades. Many applicators also apply fungicides effectively to other crops, such as rice, corn, sugar beets, and wheat.”

U.S. aerial applicators are available to effectively protect soybeans in the event of a soybean rust breakout. Aerial applicators are mobile and can go to where they are needed. For example, during the late spring/early summer, pilots from northern states are available to assist aerial applicators in southern states because the North has a later growing season and, conversely, in the late summer pilots from the south are available to assist aerial applicators in northern states.

The NAAA is working with the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO) to organize approved reciprocity agreements between State Lead Pesticide Regulatory Agencies (SLAs) in anticipation of the soybean rust outbreak. This agreement would enable an applicator’s certification in one state to work in other states, and is an important method to address an expected demand for aerial applicators in the event of a significant outbreak of soybean rust. At this time, several applicators have traveled to surrounding states to receive certifications to spray in additional states where outbreaks of the disease are expected.

According to the NAAA President Scott Schertz, who has spoken at several meetings in regards to the need for aerial applicators to combat soybean rust, “The NAAA is encouraging expanded reciprocity arrangements among the states to allow better utilization of equipment and pilots. For this industry to achieve its potential we need to better match equipment and expertise to the market needs.”

For more information on aerial application and soybean rust,
visit NAAA Soybean Rust Page.