Be on the Look Out for Stripe Rust and Leaf Rust in Wheat

Stripe Rust was diagnosed by the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the UKREC last week in a wheat sample that came from Lyon County.  In addition, Leaf Rust of wheat has been observed in states south of Kentucky (Arkansas and Mississippi), and appears to be moving northward.

Accordingly to UK Extension Plant Pathologist Dr. Carl Bradley, some wheat varieties have high levels of resistance to these diseases; therefore, it is important to know the susceptibility of the varieties planted. Resistant varieties likely will not require any additional management for rust disease control; however, a foliar fungicide application may need to be considered for susceptible varieties.

When scouting wheat for Strip Rust, look for yellow, blister-like lesions that are arranged in stripes.  The disease is most common on leave, but head tissue can develop the symptoms when disease is severe and left untreated.  Leaf Rust can be identified by its small, orangish-brown lesions.  It is most commonly found on the leaf, but can also occur on the leaf sheath.  Lesions cause by Leaf Rust are normally small and round.

Both of these wheat diseases can be managed by foliar fungicides in the strobilurin family as well as those containing metconazole and tebuconazole.  That would include Quadris, Headline, Caramba, Prosaro and/or Embrace.

If you feel like you might have stripe or leaf rust in your wheat (or if you need more information), please contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-2690 so that we can continue to monitor the spread of rust in Kentucky.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Leaf Rust

Stripe Rust