Sep. 25, 2011: Leaf rust widespread, but stem rust undetected on Mozambique surveys in September 2011

Mozambique: Wheat rust surveys were undertaken by IIAM and CIMMYT in the key wheat growing areas of Manica and Tete provinces, Central Mozambique during the period 16-20 September 2011. The surveys were a repeat of surveys initiated in 2010, which confirmed the presence of  Ug99 lineage races in Mozambique in 2010. In the survey area wheat was grown in dispersed, small plots at elevations ranging from 612m to 1681m. Virtually all wheat farmers were growing the same variety; SC Nduna, the only exception was a very limited number of fields planted to the cultivar “Zambesi” in Rotanda. A total of 33 wheat fields were surveyed using standardized BGRI methodology. Two wheat variety trial sites (IIAM Rotanda and IIAM Sussendenga) were also included in the survey. Wheat maturity at the time of the survey ranged from flowering to maturity, with harvest underway in Rotanda. Wheat stem rust was not observed at any of the sites surveyed in 2011. Wheat leaf rust was widespread on SC Nduna being recorded at 25 of the 33 sites surveyed. The Catandica area was the only area surveyed in which leaf rust was not observed. Leaf rust infections were most widespread and severe in Tsangano. No stripe (yellow) rust was recorded at any of the survey locations.

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