Extensive wheat rust surveys were undertaken throughout the wheat growing regions of Iraq during May 2011. A total of 344 sites were surveyed using standard BGRI survey methodology. Yellow rust dominated the surveys, being recorded at 96 of the sites visited. The disease was widely distributed, but highest levels of incidence and severity were recorded in the North-eastern areas adjacent to the Iranian border. A total of 42 sites had moderate or high (>20%) severity levels, virtually all of which were clustered together in the North-eastern region.

Leaf rust was also widespread, being recorded at 40 of the sites visited. However, only low or moderate levels of disease severity were recorded.

Stem rust was recorded at a single site near Mosul, with low incidence and severity reported.