MISSISSIPPI STATE -- East and east central Mississippi soybean and corn growers will gather on Dec. 16 at Mississippi State University to take part in the first production meeting since the recent discovery of soybean rust in the state.

Researchers and specialists discovered this devastating fungal disease first in Louisiana on Nov. 6, then in Mississippi on Nov. 11. Most likely aided by this year's active hurricane season, soybean rust spores can be carried by wind for hundreds of miles. Spores also can be transported on people or machinery, or spread by infected plant material. Left untreated, it completely defoliates and often kills a plant, reducing yields by as much as 80 percent.

In addition to a soybean rust update, producers and agriculture industry workers will review the 2004 crop and anticipate production issues for next year. The soybean discussions will cover variety selection, burn-down herbicide strategies, foliar fungicides, soybean aphids, and the influence of planting dates and maturity groups on stink bugs.

The meeting's corn focus will address corn leaf blight, nitrogen management in wet fields, Round-up Ready corn, insect pest management, farm safety and issues from planting to maturity.

MSU's Extension Service is organizing the meeting at the Bost Extension Building on the MSU campus with the support of several industry sponsors. Admission is free and open to all producers and agricultural industry workers. Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered. Advance registration is encouraged to enable organizers to anticipate meal numbers at the sponsored lunch.

To register or obtain more information on the meeting, contact Dennis Reginelli at (662) 726-4326 or by e-mail at dennisr@ext.msstate.edu.