Rust have complex life cycles with several spore stages which may attack different plant species. Initial infections start from airborne spores coming from further south on the continent. These infections produce more spores which allow further spread. The overwintering stage can infect only the alternate host barberry; the disease spreads from barberry to cereal crops like wheat and barley.
Stem rust
Large red-brown powdery pustules occur on stems and leaves. As plants mature, pustules turn black. Numerous infections may weaken stems and result in lodging. Losses are due to shriveled seed and reduced seed yield.
Plant resistant varieties. Early infections are most damaging so early seeding may reduce losses. Foliar-applied fungicides will reduce losses but crops should be monitored closely around flag leaf emergence and sprayed when only small rust spots are present on upper leaves.
Miravis® Ace fungicide protects the marketability and quality of your cereal crop against Fusarium head blight infection.
