Photographs and information on 17 fungal and viral diseases which may affect this crop. Leaf Rust fungus Puccinia recondita: Leaf rust occurs on either side of the leaf and on the leaf sheath as small, reddishorange pustules photos 1 & 2. In most years, leaf rust causes more damage in Texas than any other wheat disease. Growth is rapid between 59 72o F. It causes a reduction in the number and size of kernels. The disease reduces forage production in fields where it is utilized for grazing. New races of the rust fungus originate naturally and challenge wheat varieties. The leaf rust fungus of wheat does not attack oats or barley. Control with resistant varieties and foliar fungicide applications. Stem Rust fungus Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici: Stem rust is recognized by the elongated, ragged pustules it produces on stem, leaf, sheath, blade, chaff, beard and occasionally on young kernels. Fragments of epidermis adhere to the sides and ends of the pustules, giving a ragged appearance. The brickred color and large elongated pustules distinguish it from leaf rust which has small round pustules and orangered spores. Stem rust is far more devastating than leaf fust on susceptible varieties. Soft wheat varieties are generally more susceptible than hard red winter wheat varieties. Barley, rye, wild barley, and goatgrass are also susceptible.

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Telephone: (979) 845-7311
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Website: http://plantpathology.tamu.edu/Texlab/Grains/Wheat/whttop.html