Yellowing of leaves ‘may not be yellow rust’

Nitish Sharma

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Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, January 20

Agriculture experts have said that Yellowing of leaves doesn’t necessarily signify yellow rust attack on wheat crop as there could be several reasons behind it, including heavy irrigation, soil salinity and lack of sunlight.

Dr JN Bhatia, professor of plant pathology at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said: “Teams of agriculture experts have been visiting the fields to detect the presence of yellow rust, but fortunately no appearance of the disease has been observed in the district yet. The yellowing of leaves has been observed in various fields, but it was the result of several other factors.”

“There is no need to panic as no signs of yellow rust have been detected in the district. However, stem borer has been detected in some areas, but it will not have any adverse effect on the crop,” he added.

Nearly 1.17 lakh hectares of land is under wheat cultivation in the district.

Dr Pradyuman Bhatnagar, senior coordinator at KVK, said: “Leaves may show signs of yellowing due to weather conditions, excess water and soil salinity. In case of yellow rust, the farmers can observe a yellow powder on the leaves and it will leave the colour on your hand or any cloth when being touched. However, farmers could contact the KVK or Agriculture Department in case of doubt. Crops must be sprayed immediately with Propiconazole to avoid further spread of wheat rust if there is any breakout.”

Deputy Director, Agriculture, Dr Wazeer Singh said: “Yellow rust has not been traced in the district so far. We have deputed our teams to visit fields. Wheat planted in the shade of trees such as poplar, which blocks sunlight and increases humidity, gets affected easily. For the prevention, the department has made around 2,000 litre medicine available at the headquarters.”