Latest Survey Data
- Rust Issues: All 3 rusts are potential constraints.
- Ug99 Status: Race TTKSK (Ug99) was confirmed in 2006. Race PTKSK (Ug99 lineage) is now the predominant stem rust pathotype.
Situation Updates:
Rust surveys were undertaken in the central Highlands of Yemen during the period 20-25th May 2014. The surveys were undertaken by scientists from the Agricultural Research & Extension Authority (AREA), with the survey team being Musaed Eisa, Rashad Al Basha and Mohmmed Alsaadi. A total of 20 farmer fields were surveyed in Jahran, Qaa Alhagel, Sheraa, Rebat Alqala and Qaa Aldailamy; along with research plots at the AREA Central Highlands Research Station.
In the farmer fields the major varieties cultivated were Shaba ad Bohoth 13. Yellow rust was quite widely distributed, but in general severity was quite low. Only 6 fields recorded severity of 40-50S. Stem rust was only present in 4 fields with low incidence and severity in farmer fields. Leaf rust was absent on the surveys and no rust was observed on Barley.
On station, both yellow and stem rust were recorded at high severity (80-90S) on susceptible lines. It was noted that the stem rust infections observed were slightly unusual, as most infections normally occur in the summer season (October). Samples were collected and will be sent to the Global Rust Reference Center, Denmark for race analysis.
Yemen: Wheat rust surveys undertaken by AREA, Yemen in the key wheat growing areas of the country during October 2010 to March 2011 revealed stem rust to be widespread in the highlands and western areas, but absent in the eastern regions around Seiyun. Of the 33 fields surveyed in the highlands and west of the country in October 2010, stem rust was recorded in 27 (82%) of the fields. Disease severity was high to moderate (>20%) in 13 fields. In contrast stem rust was completely absent from the eastern regions around Seiyun in surveys undertaken in Feb-Mar 2011. Stem rust races present in Yemen during 2010/11 are currently unknown, but samples are undergoing analysis.
Ethiopia: Results of the field surveys undertaken in Sep-Dec 2009 were received. Very comprehensive surveys were undertaken covering virtually all the main wheat growing areas. A total of 877 locations were surveyed. Thirty-five percent of the locations were infected by stem rust. Highest incidence of stem rust occurred in the southern areas, notably the Arsi/Bale region, and the disease was widespread in the Rift Valley area south of Addis. Stem rust was infrequent in northern and western areas. No information on races present is currently available.
Kenya: Field surveys were undertaken in the Mount Kenya and Central Rift Valley regions in Jan-Feb 2010. A total of 90 locations were surveyed. Fifty-nine percent of the locations were infected with stem rust and the disease was widespread throughout the regions surveyed. Approximately 77% of the locations surveyed had been sprayed with fungicides. Confirmation of races present is not yet available.
Yemen: Moderate to high incidence of stem rust was recorded in the screening nursery at Al Kedan on the Red Sea coast in the first week of Feb 2010. Samples are under going race analysis.
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.