Plant Diseases
Wheat Diseases in Arkansas
Stripe Rust
Stripe rust, caused by the fungus, Puccinia striiformis, occurs infrequently
in Arkansas but can be devastating on a susceptible variety. In previous years
stripe rust has been severe in southwest Arkansas and the western Arkansas River
Valley where the fungus overwintered, but severity has been light in the Delta.
Symptoms appear on leaves as long yellow stripes containing masses of yellow
powdery spores. The disease develops much like leaf rust but is favored by
cooler temperatures. It develops earlier in the spring and may be hindered by
hot temperatures. However, hot days with cool nights are still favorable for
disease.
Some varieties are resistant to prevalent races of stripe rust, however, most
are susceptible since there has been little selection for resistance. Growing a
resistant variety may be beneficial in areas where disease has been severe but
would not be warranted elsewhere, See the section on leaf rust and fact sheets
on seed treatments and foliar fungicides for more information.
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