Soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) was confirmed on samples taken from a research field in Florida.  University of Florida extension agents were prompted to test for soybean rust due to the recent findings in Louisiana and Mississippi.  The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be working jointly with the University of Florida and the USDA  to determine the full extent of the disease in Florida and to train additional surveyors and growers about the fungal pathogen.   

For the full story see:

UF/IFAS Pest Alert – Soybean Rust Confirmed in Florida http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/press/2004/11172004_2.html

For information about the detection in Mississippi:

http://www.mdac.state.ms.us/Library/AgencyInfo/PressReleases/soybean%20rust%2011-16-05.pdf

For general information and updates:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/soybean_rust/