2005 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Minimum tillage systems have been widely adopted on the rolling uplands of the upper Midsouthern region of the USA to prevent soil erosion. In these systems considerable amounts of seedling and foliar diseases of soybean have been observed. Also, there is the possibility that soybean rust, another foliar disease of soybean now prevalent in South America, could soon become a problem for USA producers. Research is needed to control these diseases while maintaining the soil preservation practices. Short-term control of the diseases will likely involve the use of fungicides; therefore, efficacy of fungicide application methods will be evaluated for control of endemic foliar diseases. These diseases will also serve as a proxy for soybean rust if that disease becomes established in the United States. Soil fertility and other management practices will be evaluated for their impact on soybean diseases. Longer-term research will involve developing germplasm with resistance to the endemic foliar diseases and soybean rust. This research relates to National Program 301, Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Resources, Genomics and Genetic Improvement and contributes to National Program 303, Plant Diseases. This research should decrease losses to soybean producers caused by foliar diseases while maintaining the benefits of soil and water quality preservation obtained from the use of minimum tillage systems in this region. 2.List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. This is a new project and the two scientists for this project reported in current fiscal year. Formal milestones have not been developed for this project, but the objectives for the project are to abate increases in disease pressure that are attributable to soil conservation practices on highly erodible soils of Tennessee and Southern states, to enhance soybean resistance to relevant foliar diseases in no-tillage production systems, and to determine the interaction of soil nutrients stress and water quality on disease incidence in site-specific soybean production systems. 4a.What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Scientists hired for cropping systems research: An agronomist and a plant pathologist were hired to initiate research on suppression of soybean diseases in limited tillage environments. Considerable amounts of seedling and foliar diseases of soybean have been observed in fields where tillage has been limited in soybean production in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys. These scientists will determine which diseases are most prevalent and cause the most loss, identify soybean germplasm with resistance to the diseases, and evaluate fungicides for suppression of disease. Findings from this research will give soybean producers valuable insights into managing these diseases to optimize economic returns while protecting our soil and water resources. 4b.List other significant accomplishments, if any. None. 4c.List any significant activities that support special target populations. None. 4d.Progress report. None. 5.Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. This project was first funded in FY 2004. First year funds were used primarily to provide laboratory facilities and purchase equipment. The scientists reported in October 2004 and July 2005. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? None. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). None.