Rust Spore - Global Wheat Rust Monitoring Initiative (FAO & Borlaug Global Rust Initiative)

RUST REPORT Regularly updated situation reports on cereal rusts based on information provided by a global network of rust workers. It is important to note that not all reports of stem rust relate to Ug99 or variants - other local races are also included. Wheat Stem Rust Situation Update 23 Jul 2010 Survey updates – East Africa Kenya: Stem rust incidence and severity is very high in Kenya. Recent surveys (June 2010) by KARI,Njoro staff in the Narok region recorded stem rust in 80% of the 109 fields surveyed. Stem rust severity was recorded as moderate (20-40%) or high (>40%) in 33% of the survey fields. Extremely susceptible reactions (80-100S) were recorded in 5% of the survey fields. From the survey, 90% of the fields were considered to have received some fungicide application. Reports from the field indicate that farmers who have not sprayed, sprayed late, or used incorrect dosages are experiencing crop losses. Following above normal rainfall in recent months, conditions appear conducive for disease development. Uganda: Surveys were undertaken by Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute and FAO in July 2010. A total of 25 fields were surveyed in Kapchorwa district (east) and Kabale / Kisoro districts (south-west), Uganda. Stem rust was recorded in 64% of the fields surveyed. Highest incidence and severity was recorded in Kabale district, with only trace amounts and low incidence detected in Kapchorwa district. Bread wheat, barley and triticale were all observed with susceptible reactions; however any losses would be minimal due to the advanced stage of most crops. Current race composition in Uganda is unknown, but samples were collected for future race analysis. Survey updates - Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia Surveys were undertaken in Azerbaijan (May/June 2010 – 38 fields), Lebanon (May 2010 – 16 fields) and Uzbekistan (May 2010 – 56 fields). In each country, isolated occurrences of stem rust were detected in farmer’s fields. In Lebanon, occurrence of stem rust at 11 of the 16 survey sites was considered slightly unusual. In Azerbaijan, stem rust at two on-farm sites (score 20SMS, 40SMS) on the Caspian Sea was noteworthy. In Uzbekistan, stem rust (score 40MS) was recorded at a single site in the Fergana Valley. In all cases races involved are currently unknown. Increased surveillance effort may be one factor leading to increased detection, but regular future monitoring and confirmation of races involved is considered important. Details of all surveys can be found in the country survey maps.