Aline Sartor Chicowski

Introduction Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are steadily rising and by some estimates, are predicted to increase to 550 parts per million (ppm) or more by mid-century. Increasing CO2 levels, in combination with more extreme and unpredictable weather events, are expected to have significant impacts on global food security.

Abstract Increasing atmospheric CO2 levels have a variety of effects that can influence plant responses to microbial pathogens. However, these responses are varied, and it is challenging to predict how elevated CO2 (eCO2) will affect a particular plant-pathogen interaction. We investigated how eCO2 may influence disease development and responses to diverse pathogens in the major oilseed crop, soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.).

Introduction Phakopsora pachyrhizi is a biotrophic fungus that causes soybean rust (SBR), one of the most devastating diseases affecting soybean (Glycine max). SBR is a major threat to soybean production in South America but has a relatively minor impact on soybean production in the United States. P. pachyrhizi is an aggressive pathogen, causing rapid defoliation and severe yield losses.