Bangladesh: Frequency of rust severity 2011–2013

Extensive rust surveys were undertaken throughout the wheat growing areas of Bangladesh during January-April 2013. The surveys were coordinated by Dr P.K. Malaker of the Wheat Research Centre, Dinajpur, but implemented by several collaborating stations, namely; Dinajpur, Joydebpur, Jamalpur, Jessore and Rajshahi. A total of  246 different locations  were  covered by the survey teams.

Only leaf rust, no stem or yellow rust, was observed on the 2013 surveys. Leaf rust was widespread and present in virtually all the areas surveyed. The disease was recorded at 41% (n=101) of the sites surveyed. Despite widespread incidence, severity of leaf rust was much lower than in the previous year. Only 4 sites reported high severity (>40%) of leaf rust in 2013, compared to 30 sites in 2012. Likewise only 33 sites reported moderate severity (20-40%) of leaf rust in 2013, compared to 43 sites in 2012.

Timely planted crops (15-30th November) largely escaped disease or had less disease compared to late planted crops. The cultivar Prodip was most affected by leaf rust showing low to high disease severities with a MS-S type reaction. Cultivars BARI Gom-25 and BARI Gom-26 exhibited only low disease severities with a MRMS-MSS type reaction. Five commercial cultivars; Shatabdi, Sourav,

Bijoy, BARI Gom-27 and BARI Gom-28 were free from leaf rust infection.