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Plant Disease

High Severity

Yellow Rust (Stripe Rust)

Affects: Wheat, Barley · February–April in north India (cool, wet weather 10–15°C)

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Causal Organism

Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (fungus)

Symptoms

Bright yellow-orange pustules arranged in stripes along leaf veins. Under the leaf, white sporulation. In severe cases, the entire leaf turns yellow and dies, causing significant yield loss.

Prevention

Grow rust-resistant varieties (HD 3226, HD 2781). Avoid late sowing. Monitor from February onwards. Remove volunteer wheat plants.

Season Risk: February–April in north India (cool, wet weather 10–15°C)

Treatment

Apply propiconazole (0.1%) or tebuconazole (0.1%) at first sign of disease. Early application (flag leaf stage) gives best results. Repeat after 15 days if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between yellow rust and stem rust?
Yellow rust: stripes on leaves, cool weather (10–15°C). Brown (leaf) rust: scattered orange pustules. Stem rust: large red-brown pustules on stems, warm weather (20–30°C). Treatment approach is similar but variety resistance differs.
Is my wheat variety resistant to yellow rust?
New races (Warrior, Kranich) have overcome older resistance genes. Check with your KVK or use KrishiAI to scan current rust race maps for your district.

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Affected Crops

Wheat Farming Guide →

Barley Farming Guide →

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