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Wheat pathogen can be particularly aggressive with the potential of robbing at least a third of the crop.

June 21, 2016

1 Min Read

One of the largest threats to productivity in wheat are foliar disease. Although genetic resistance usually does the heavy work, particular diseases readily break through this defense where conditions are favorable and resistance is not particularly strong.

In Michigan, the most common early-season foliar diseases include powdery mildew and Septoria leaf spot. These diseases have been evident as early as last fall in some fields, but weather conditions have allowed only modest development to date. In June, other foliar diseases may appear, including Stagonospora leaf blotch and leaf rust.

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This 2016 season, a relatively new rust disease called stripe rust is of special interest. This is because the pathogen can be particularly aggressive with the potential of robbing at least a third of the crop in severe cases. It was found at multiple locations in Southern Michigan during the first few days in May – a month earlier than in past years – giving it extra time to develop and disseminate spores. Now stripe rust is showing-up in Northern Michigan as well. 

Source: MSU Extension

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