Identification of New Sources of Resistance to Soybean Rust

Soybean rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is one of the most destructive diseases of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Men.). Yield losses caused by soybean rust were reported from 13% to 80%. Chemical treatment with fungicide has been used as the first line of defense to minimize the impact of soybean rust. However, breeding for resistance to soybean rust is one of the most effective long-term strategies for controlling the disease. In the following chapter, the general information about soybean rust disease and its causal pathogens, reported resistance genes and the approaches for evaluation and identification of sources of resistance are presented and discussed.