Latest Survey Data
- Rust Issues: Leaf and stem rust are potential constraints to production. Chemical control is widely practised by the commercial farmers.
- Ug99 Status: No Ug99 lineage races have been detected in Zambia.
Situation Updates:
Wheat rust surveys were undertaken by staff from the ZARI Mount Makulu Research station during the period August to October 2010. The surveys covered the main wheat growing areas in Central Zambia. A total of 27 sites were surveyed using standard BGRI survey methodology. Leaf rust was the predominant rust recorded on the survey, being recorded at 11 widely dispersed sites. Stem rust was only record at 4 sites, all which only had low severity (1-20%) of disease. It should be noted that many of the commercial farmers in Zambia use extensive chemical control on their wheat fields.
Additional reports of wheat stem rust were received from several African countries. In August, wheat stem rust was reported to be widespread in Tanzania. Wheat growing areas in Northern provinces and the Southern highlands both reported the presence of wheat stem rust. In South Africa, wheat stem rust was reported to be widespread in the Southern and Eastern Cape regions during Sept-Oct. One 160 ha field reportedly suffered complete yield loss to stem rust. In Zambia, trace amounts of wheat stem rust were found on 3 breeding lines at Golden Valley Research Station in late October. In all countries, the identity of stem rust races present remains unknown.
In Yemen, reports were received indicating higher incidence of wheat stem rust, compared to 2008, in highland areas during October. No race information is currently available.
East Africa:
In Uganda, high incidence and severity of wheat stem rust have been reported in late August throughout the wheat growing regions. In Kenya, despite drought in many areas, wheat stem rust has been recorded throughout the wheat areas. Unsprayed fields in the North Rift province surveyed in September had high severity of stem rust. The variety KS Mwamba was highly affected. In both countries, there is no confirmation of races involved but presence of the Ug99 lineage is highly likely. Late rains in Ethiopia delayed planting, surveys will be undertaken in Oct.
Southern Africa:
Surveys were undertaken in Zambia in late August and Zimbabwe (7-11 Sept. 2009). In Zambia, no stem rust was observed in farmer fields during the survey. Intensive use of fungicides (up to 3 sprays) was reported for commercial farmers. Stem rust was however detected at one research station on 17th Sept. Race identity is currently unknown. In Zimbabwe, stem rust was recorded at 5 locations: Gwebi, Birchenough, Mutare, Nyanga and Harare. Races involved are currently unknown, but race analysis is underway. At Gwebi, this was the first report of stem rust since 2003. At Nyanga, high levels of stem rust infections were observed on small-holder plots.