Most experts agree it is simply a question of when - not if - soybean rust will infect U.S. fields, with the potential to cost billion of dollars in crop losses and disease-control costs. The key question now becomes: is the U.S. soybean industry ready to respond?

BASF has launched an educational Web site, SoybeanRustInfo.com, to provide the latest information on this potentially devastating disease.

"The launch of the site is consistent with the BASF goal to be the technology leader within agriculture", said Andy Lee, director of U.S. business operations for BASF Agricultural Products. "We have a unique opportunity to provide our channel customers, and indeed the entire soybean industry, with the technical information and insights they need before soybean rust ever becomes a problem in the United States," Lee said. "We see SoybeanRustInfo.com as an important means of providing that support."

"Perhaps the most important thing growers and others in the soybean industry can do to prepare for the threat of soybean rust is to educate themselves," said Gary Fellows, technical marketing manager for soybeans at BASF. "SoybeanRustInfo.com provides the most comprehensive information available, from disease history to detection to control measures."

Visitors to SoybeanRustInfo.com will find:

• An overview of soybean rust and the threat it presents to the industry.

• An image gallery showing disease symptoms and damage in Brazilian fields.

• Informative articles from leading soybean publications and universities.

• Practical tips for scouting fields and identifying soybean rust.

• Links to key government and industry Web sites.

In addition, SoybeanRustInfo.com offers several interactive features:

• A map detailing the worldwide spread of soybean rust.

• A chat room where growers can share their experiences.

• A form to submit questions that will be answered by industry experts.

• An opportunity to sign up to receive further information.

The Web site will be updated regularly to ensure that visitors receive the latest information. "Researchers are continually learning more about this disease and how to control it," Fellows said. "Our goal is for SoybeanRustInfo.com to be the authoritative source for soybean rust information."

Tracy Linbo, BASF product manager for soybeans, encourages everyone involved in the soybean industry to look to SoybeanRustInfo.com for objective information. "We realize it will take all of us - growers, researchers and industry - working together to keep soybean rust in check," Linbo said.

With sales of .3,176 million in 2003, BASF.s Agricultural Products division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve yields and quality of agricultural crops. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF.s Agricultural Products division is to be the world.s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agriculturalproducts.basf.com. 

BASF is the world.s leading chemical company. Our goal is to grow profitably and further increase the value of our company. We help our customers to be more successful through intelligent system solutions and high-quality products. BASF.s portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. Through new technologies we can tap into additional market opportunities. We conduct our business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2003, BASF had sales of about .33 billion (circa $42 billion) and over 87,000 employees worldwide. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.