May 25, 2010
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Stripe rust has been identified in wheat in the southern Panhandle and producers should be keeping a close eye on their fields, particularly irrigated fields. Treatment may even be economically viable for some dryland fields.
The stripe rust was identified in two samples from fields south of Chappell and brought into the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff for diagnosis on Tuesday. Both samples showed early signs of stripe rust.
Of the two fields, one was irrigated and one was dryland. The irrigated wheat was in the boot stage and the dryland wheat had the flag leaf emerging. Even though wheat prices are rather low, the wheat crop has some excellent yield potential due to the good moisture so far this spring.
Based on the amount of stripe rust developing in some Nebraska fields and the continued rains, growers should consider spraying to protect the flag leaf and potential yield. Stripe rust can cause 100% loss to a wheat crop.
Drew Lyon
Extension Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist
Stephen Wegulo
Extension Plant Pathologist
