News

Storms sweep stripe rust into Great Lakes

Michigan State University Extension is encouraging farmers to scout for stripe rust in wheat.

Wheat specialist Dennis Pennington tells Brownfield this year is the first time conditions have created major infestations since 2016.

“It starts in Texas, and they had a banner year for stripe rust down there, and you couple that with the early development and a storm front track, it has just increased our chances of stripe rust,” he says.

Pennington says yield impacts can be limited if growers find an outbreak before it becomes widespread.

“We’re seeing hot spots kind of just randomly scattered throughout the state, and even within a field, that is a big issue that we’re seeing, and some growers are having to spray because it’s so bad.”

He says growers should consider timing a treatment with other fungicide applications if they do find significant infections.

Visit the Wheat Ag Pest Monitor to track its spread.

AUDIO: Dennis Pennington, Michigan State University Extension