Leaf and Stripe rust have recently been identified in several areas of the state, with high levels occurring in South Texas near College Station and in parts of the Northern Texas Blacklands on some varieties. To date, leaf and stripe rust levels in central Texas, the High Plains and the Rolling Plains have been very low.
Several varieties that have shown levels of resistance to rust in the past have been infected this year. This could be due to several environmental and pathogen conditions that promote stripe rust, but could potentially be the development of a new race of stripe rust. Since we cannot accurately predict which varieties will be infected, there is no substitute for field scouting. Stripe rust usually first appears in isolated spots in fields that can be detected from the road, but not always. Sometimes the pathogen will infect the field uniformly, making a careful inspection necessary for disease identification. The overall goal is to not reach levels where the flag leaf is compromised by these fungi.
Currently, stripe rust levels are the primary concern, but that might change as temperatures rise. According to Ron French, Texas AgriLife Extension Plant Pathologist, stripe rust prefers cool, wet weather and under warmer temperatures, both during the day and night, more of the focus will shift to leaf rust.
RUST CHARACTERISTICS:
Stripe Rust
- Commonly affects leaves, sheaths, awns and glumes
- Lesions appear as narrow, orange-yellow stripes
Leaf Rust
- Commonly occurs on leaf blades.
- Round or slightly elongated reddish-brown lesions
For updates and information on stripe rust, leaf rust, other diseases of wheat, and disease management strategies, please go to:
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