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Stripe rust found in Wisconsin wheat

A plant pathologist says Wisconsin has its first confirmation of striped rust in wheat for the 2025 growing season.

Dr. Damon Smith with the University of Wisconsin told Brownfield there was already some head scab, and farmers should scout for striped rust. “We did have some striped rust epidemics last year in this state so we are concerned about that.”

Smith says striped rust was found at a research plot at the University of Wisconsin Arlington Ag Research Station Friday.  He says wheat in this field is currently at Feekes 10.4 stage with the head ¾ emerged and will receive a fungicide application this week. “Fortunately, whatever fungicide they choose for their head scab application will also take care of the striped rust situation.”

Smith recommends fungicide applications for wheat statewide to combat head scab but says the timing of the striped rust will allow one fungicide application to manage both threats for most farmers.

There are also confirmations of striped rust in Michigan, Kansas, Oklahoma, and in Ontario, Canada.  Stripe rust is favored by prolonged periods of rain or dew, high relative humidity, and cool temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 ºF.