Photo Credit: Z. Sikharulidze

Wheat rust surveys were undertaken by staff from the Georgian Institute of Plant Immunity (GIPI) during June and July 2011. The surveys covered the wheat growing areas of Eastern Georgia. A total of 67 wheat fields were surveyed using standard BGRI survey methodology. Stem rust was found to be the predominant rust disease on the surveys, being recorded in 60% of the fields visited. Highest incidence and severity of stem rust was recorded in the Central Valley, stretching North-west from Tbilisi (see the Survey Mapper tool for distribution). The majority (n=32) of the stem rust fields had low severity (<20%), however 8 fields were recorded with moderate or high severity (>20%). Precise race composition of the Georgian stem rust population is currently unknown, although it is likely to be local races.

Yellow rust and leaf rust were also recorded on the surveys. Yellow rust was found to be present in 24 of the fields surveyed and leaf rust in 10 of the fields. Leaf rust was at low severity in all of the fields where it was present. Yellow rust was recorded at moderate or high severity in just 3 locations.