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Wet weather spurs leaf rust threat in wheatKansas Two weeks of dry weather in May slowed the development of leaf rust disease in Kansas wheat. But, the rust-related risk--along with rainy weather--increased again in late May and early June, a Kansas State University plant pathologist said. The greatest risk appears to be in the eastern two-thirds of the state, where leaf rust has been active since early April, said Erick DeWolf, wheat disease specialist with K-State Research and Extension. "In contrast, western Kansas' risk of yield loss from leaf diseases seems minimal." In parts of south central and central Kansas, the disease was at low levels on wheat's uppermost leaves when the rains started again about May 23, DeWolf added. North central Kansas wheat still was at moderate risk of leaf rust, although it had been slow to develop in fields near Beloit and Belleville. Where the rust had appeared, it also was restricted to the lower canopy, so didn't seem likely to develop in time to cut yield significantly. The plant pathologist warned that the severity of the disease in eastern Kansas is likely to increase sharply in coming weeks, as new infections become visible. Varieties such as Jagger, Jagalene, and Overley are most at risk. Fungicide treatments won't be an option because the crop has flowered in the area, DeWolf said. All fungicide labels prohibit applications once flowering is complete. Yield loss will be curbed if the crop makes it to the dough stage before rust becomes severe on wheat's upper leaves," DeWolf said. "The Overley variety has the best chance of outrunning the disease, because the races (of rust) that can overcome Overley's resistance tend to arrive later." Fields recently treated with a fungicide could still have some protection. Depending on the product and application rate, most fungicides remain active for two to three weeks, he said. Leaf rust will increase in those fields, but take longer to reach damaging levels. Any delay will help crop yield. 6/16/08 Date: 6/12/08
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