India: Stripe Rust Summary, 15 Jan 2014

On the 2nd January 2014 DWR, India issued a new advisory for yellow rust management in the North-west plain zone and Northern Hill zone (see DWR Advisory). The first report of stripe rust was observed in farmers fields on 1st Jan 2014 in the village of Rattangarh, Yamunanagar district, Haryana. This was a relatively early first appearance and due to conducive climatic conditions the disease is reported to be spreading quite quickly. On the 6th of January further reports of stripe rust were confirmed in the districts of Ropar and Hoshiarpur in Punjab. By the 15th January, 8 villages in Yamunanagar district, Haryana and 5 villages in Hoshiarpur and Ropar districts, Punjab had confirmed stripe rust outbreaks (see summary map). Due to conducive weather conditions further spread is expected.

DWR, India is advising wheat farmers to be extremely vigilant, actively monitor their crops and if stripe rust is detected then immediately spray with recommended fungicides.