Stripe rust pressure ‘severe’ in Northwest wheat, expert says

From the Capital Press

Stripe rust pressure this year is “severe to extremely severe” in Pacific Northwest wheat, but most farmers have been able to control it by growing resistant varieties or by applying fungicides.

USDA Agricultural Research Service plant geneticist Xianming Chen blames the mild winter, which allowed the rust to survive and develop in winter wheat.

“Stripe rust developed very early and very quick,” Chen said. Read the rest of the story here.