Thursday, March 3, 2011

Stripe rust - what to look for?

As you are out scouting fields for weeds and other things, be on the lookout for stripe rust. It will start in a patch, and then spread. Here is a photo taken by Dr. Chen of WSU near Bickleton, Washington in February. Timely rains last fall allowed for early seeding, which increases the likelihood of stripe rust infections for 2010 crop to still be active at the time our 2011 crop emerged last fall.
If you are planting spring wheat, look for varieties with resistance, and hold on it could be a bumpy year.