Expert Advisory Details

Symptoms and prevention of yellow rust in wheat

In Punjab, the attack of yellow rust starts in low hilly areas like Sri Anandpur Sahib, Nurpur Bedi, Balachor, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, etc. The fungus of the disease thrives on wheat planted in hilly areas during summer. From here, its particles fly through the air and attack the wheat in the low hilly areas of Punjab in the winter season, which is seen in the form of runners. These larvae of the yellow rust are the source of disease in other areas of Punjab. This year, the attack of the yellow rust was seen in the villages of Donal, Droli, Magalur, Gambhirpur, Surewal, Bhatti, Gag, Niku Nangal, etc. in Anandpur Sahib Block of Ropar district and in Diyala, Taprian and Saroa in Saroa block of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Now it has become important to be aware and check the wheat fields.

Symptoms: Yellow rust attack causes streaks of yellow dusty spots on the leaves from which yellow-colored powder is emitted. If touched the diseased addresses Even by touching the diseased leaves, the powder is visible on the fingers. Only from this yellow-colored powder, the actual identification of the yellow rust can be done. This dust blows with the wind and spreads the disease everywhere. In favorable weather, these stripes also form on the leaves (sheaths) around the stem. The leaves affected by the disease dry up and the grains shrivel, due to which the yield of wheat is reduced. Widespread rains this week have added moisture to the air and rising temperatures have made the weather suitable for the growth and spread of yellow rust. Therefore, farmers in low-hilly areas should check their fields properly.

Prevention: Wherever traces of this disease are observed, apply fungicides recommended by the university like Caveat, Impact Xtra, Opera, Custodia, Tilt, Shine, Bumper, Stilt, Compass, Markzol, etc. at 0.1 percent or apply Nativo 0.06 percent. Spray the recommended solutions to prevent the growth and spread of this  disease on time.