Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
March 30, 2012

• The Cereals Disease Laboratory reports stripe rust spreading through Arkansas and into western Tennessee wheat fields
• Turbulent weather keeping growers on high alert
• Syngenta recommends sound scouting techniques, disease forecasting models and timely fungicide applications 

Recent weather systems have winter wheat growers across the Delta and Ohio River Valley on high alert for stripe rust infections. Syngenta and the Cereals Disease Laboratory continue to monitor the spread of this atypical stripe rust epidemic. Due to the unusual nature of this situation and the potential for high yields this crop season, Syngenta urges wheat growers to actively scout all fields, regardless of variety, to assess the need for a fungicide application.

“Normally, we lose a lot of insects and disease through the freezing and thawing cycles,” explained Sarah Gehant, a Syngenta agronomy service representative based in Kentucky. “I would expect because of the mild winter conditions that insect and disease pressure will be quite a bit higher going into the spring. Growers will really need to monitor their crops closely.”

“The mild winter has caused minor fall infections to multiply and spread earlier than normal,” reported Gene Milus, plant pathologist, University of Arkansas. “Conditions are favorable for above average yields; however, these are prime conditions for stripe rust, as well. Stripe rust impacts yield, test weight and profitability of wheat crops, so it is vital for growers to monitor disease pressure throughout the growing season.”

Management Recommendations

With the current stripe rust outbreak, careful management will be the key to minimizing damage and capitalizing on the potential for above average yields. “There are many online tools available to help wheat growers monitor the latest disease-outbreak patterns in their region,” Gehant said. “In addition, they should use timely scouting to assess disease levels in their own fields.”

Timing will be the most important factor in management. The most critical point is when the flag leaf emerges. Protecting the flag leaf helps maximize yield potential as the flag leaf is responsible for feeding the grain, making it the most important contributor to final grain yield.

“Combination products with preventive and curative properties are good for stopping both new and existing infections,” Milus counseled. “With this stripe rust outbreak, a second fungicide application may be needed.”

“Quilt Xcel® fungicide offers growers two modes of action with preventive and curative activity. The increased levels of azoxystrobin and systemic-xylem mobility provide better protection,” Gehant explained. “We’ve also seen enhanced Plant Performance™ activity that helps wheat growers achieve maximum grain fill and profit.”

As the Cereal Disease Laboratory continues to track stripe rust and other diseases through the Delta and Ohio River Valley, winter wheat growers should ensure their crops are protected from diseases to maximize yield. Careful preparation, disease monitoring, scouting, and preventive and curative fungicide programs can all help contribute to a successful disease-management plan throughout the growing season.

For more information about Quilt Xcel, visit www.farmassist.com/crops/cereals,

Website: http://www.syngenta-us.com/home.aspx

Published: March 30, 2012