Stephen Wegulo - Extension Plant Pathologist

Faculty Bio
Website: Wheat Disease section of CropWatch Plant Disease Management
Twitter: @wegulo2

Figure 1. A stripe rust susceptible (left) and resistant variety in a state variety trial in southeast Nebraska on June 3.

2017 Stripe Rust Ratings from Eastern Nebraska Wheat Variety Trials July 14, 2017

This year the onset of stripe rust was earlier in eastern Nebraska than in western Nebraska, allowing it to develop to levels that could be scored in state variety trials in Washington, Saunders, and Clay counties. A table provides ratings for a number of varieties and lines at three sites.

Wheat streak mosaic virus in wheat — Severe wheat streak mosaic virus in a wheat field in Deuel County on May 15, 2017. (Photo by Stephen Wegulo)

Why Control of Volunteer Wheat is Critical to Protecting 2018 Yields July 13, 2017

Timely control of volunteer wheat and other weeds is key to managing yield loss risk in your 2018 crop. Yield-limiting risk factors affected by weed control include wheat streak mosaic and other diseases, insects (wheat stem sawfly and disease vectors), moisture loss, and increased weed seed production.

Figure 1. A Wheat Field Day in a grower’s field in Washington County on June 6.

Wheat Disease Update: Stripe Rust, Leaf Rust, Wheat Streak Mosaic at High Levels June 9, 2017

A survey of fields in south central, southeast, and northeast Nebraska shows wheat diseases increasing in severity and occurrence. Stripe rust and leaf rust have developed to severe levels in fields plant with susceptible varieties that weren't sprayed to protect the flag leaf.

Dead or dying wheat flag leaves due to stripe rust

Stripe Rust Predominant Disease in Nebraska Wheat May 26, 2017

In a survey of wheat fields and research plots in south central and southeast Nebraska on May 24-25, stripe rust was the predominant fungal disease found. Its increase is due to the rainfall and cool temperatures that have prevailed during the last two weeks.

Figure 1. Severe stripe rust in a wheat field in south-central Nebraska May 24. (Photo by Stephen Wegulo)

Stripe Rust Increasing in Nebraska Wheat May 25, 2017

Recent rainfall and cool temperatures have favored development of stripe rust to severe levels on flag leaves in fields that have not been sprayed as shown in Figure 1, a photo taken Wednesday, May 24, in a grower’s field in Webster County in south-central Nebraska.

Irrigated wheat field — Figure 1. An irrigated field in Box Butte County on May 16.

Wheat Disease Update: Wheat Streak Mosaic May 19, 2017

A survey of wheat fields in the Nebraska Panhandle found only trace levels of stripe rust and low levels of tan spot, but widespread areas of wheat streak mosaic virus with severity ranging from mild to severe.

Wheat field near Mead, May 2017 — Figure 1. State Variety Trial for wheat at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead on May 11.

Wheat Disease Update in Eastern Nebraska May 12, 2017

Research plots at UNL’s Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC) were surveyed for diseases on May 12. These plots are not sprayed with fungicide and therefore the diseases and disease levels in them can be representative of those in growers’ fields under similar conditions. Here's what we found.

Wheat field — Figure 1. A lush green grower’s wheat field in Jefferson County on May 5.

Wheat Update: Leaf Rust Confirmed, Stripe Rust Widespread But at Low Levels May 8, 2017

Because of the presence of stripe rust and leaf rust in the state, as well as increasing incidence and severity of Septoria leaf blotch and tan spot, growers are encouraged to be vigilant in scouting their fields.