Alberta's Bugs.R.Us pest and disease update service issued this release on Monday, June 18: Dr. Denis Gaudet at AAFC-Lethbridge reported today that the picture is evolving rapidly for stripe rust in southern Alberta. A field southeast of Burdett was found with 60 per cent incidence and 30 per cent severity.
This early detection of a significant amount of stripe rust suggests the possibility of overwintering events for stripe rust. Overwintering means that producers with susceptible varieties should be on high alert for stripe rust. Additionally, wind trajectory data provided by Dr. Kelly Turkington at AAFC-Lacombe indicated that stripe rust development in the Pacific Northwest USA has increased and that stripe rust spores are now available and likely being transported into the Prairie region. Cereal producers should be aware that ALL winter wheat varieties are susceptible to stripe rust and should be sprayed if stripes are evident on leaves. Many hard red and durum spring wheat varieties are resistant and may not need to be sprayed.
Producers should refer to the provincial recommendation lists for stripe rust resistance ratings for individual varieties before considering spraying as a control option.
Recommendations • For Counties Lethbridge and Taber, daily monitoring of fields and spraying of winter wheat if stripes are detected. Monitor spring wheat fields.
• For Counties Cypress, 40 Mile, Lethbridge, Cardston, Warner, Newell, McLeod, Willow Creek, Pincher Creek, and Vulcan, regular monitoring of winter wheat and spring wheat fields.
