2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The specific objectives of the overall project are to: (1) Use existing NADP collection sites, collect rain samples from 122 sites covering the soybean growing regions in the continental U.S. as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for a 6-month period; (2) Analyze particulate matter collected on filters (including fungal spores) from rain samples using Real-Time PCR assay specific for Phakopsora pachyrhizi, and (3) Provide analysis data for risk assessment and model development. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Filters from weekly rain samples are supplied by NADP. Particulate matter (including fungal spores) is removed from the filters, dried, and DNA is extracted. The presence of P. pachyrhizi DNA is assayed for by using a Real-Time PCR. This assay consists of nest PCR using both P. pachyrhizi specific primers and a Taqman probe. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement (agreement number 58-3640-7-0423) between ARS and the United Soybean Board. This is collaborative project involving ARS (Les Szabo and Glen Hartman), Clemson University, Louisiana State University, Pennsylvania State University, and University of Florida. Additional details of this research can be found in the report for parent project 3640-21220-020-00D - Genetics, Population Biology and Host-Parasite Interactions of Cereal Rust Fungi and Their Diseases. Three test sites were established to monitor Phakopsora pachyrhizi (Asian soybean rust) spore deposition and disease development, and collect climatic data. Spore trapping data was collected from May through September. In addition, air spore traps will established in ten other sites in the southern U.S. spore morphology and Real-time PCR was used to identify P. pachyrhizi spores in the samples.