Agri experts caution farmers against spread of yellow rust in wheat crop

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Patiala, February 19

According to experts, the conditions are favourable for the spread of yellow rust, a fungal disease which turns the crop leaves yellowish, stopping photosynthesis and leading to a drop in yield. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Patiala director Dr Gurupdesh Kaur said in the absence of regular monitoring, the disease could spread across the region.

SPOTTED IN ANANDPUR SAHIB

• A survey tour was conducted by scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rupnagar for tracing the incidence of yellow rust on wheat crop
• The disease was spotted in four fields of two villages, Nikku Nangal and Dhukli in Sri Anandpur Sahib block on HD2967, HD3086 and DBW222 varieties of wheat. Minor incidences of the fungal spread were observed in nearby fields

Satbir Singh Gosal, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), advised farmers not to neglect their fields. “One member of the family should be assigned the task of visiting the field each day and monitor the crop to check whether the yellow stripes have appeared on the crop or not,” said the VC.

A survey tour was conducted by scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rupnagar for tracing the incidence of stripe rust of wheat.

VISIT FIELDS DAILY

One member of the family should be assigned the task of visiting the field each day and monitor the crop to check whether the yellow stripes have appeared on the crop or not. — Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-chancellor, PAU

The disease was spotted in four fields of two villages, Nikku Nangal and Dhukli in Sri Anandpur Sahib block on HD2967, HD3086 and DBW222 varieties of wheat. Minor incidences of the disease were observed in the surrounding fields. The concerned farmers of these infected fields were contacted and were advised to immediately spray their fields with recommended fungicides at recommended dose to curb spread of disease.

“The incidence is restricted to a few fields. Immediate action was taken and our teams managed to curtail the spread. However, we urge farmers to remain vigilant and not leave their crop unattended,” said Gosal.

Department of Plant Pathology and Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics are cautioning the farmers, especially of the sub-mountainous areas to regularly monitor their fields for the incidence of stripe rust especially where susceptible varieties are sown. If disease appears, then immediately spray that field with any recommended fungicides.