Wheat stem rust

Symptoms

Brick-red to reddish-brown, elongated, powdery pustules that rupture the epidermis on stems, leaf sheaths and both leaf surfaces; pustules feel rough and shed rusty spores; late in the season they turn black. Severe attack lodges plants and shrivels grain.

Plants affected

• barley
• bread wheat

Common questions

How do I recognise Wheat stem rust on barley?

Brick-red to reddish-brown, elongated, powdery pustules that rupture the epidermis on stems, leaf sheaths and both leaf surfaces; pustules feel rough and shed rusty spores; late in the season they turn black. Severe attack lodges plants and shrivels grain.

Do I have to report Wheat stem rust?

No. Wheat stem rust is not a notifiable organism, so there is nothing to report to an authority. Treat it as a normal garden problem.

How is Wheat stem rust treated?

Mainly with biological and cultural measures — removing affected material, changing the conditions that favour it, and treating with agents approved in your country. The exact steps and their timing depend on the plant, the season and where you live: Dr. Phyto works them out in a free diagnosis.