OSU Wheat Pathologist Bob Hunger Finds Rust, Mildew And Mite-Transmitted Viruses In Crop

Apr 24, 2015

By Bob Hunger, Extension Wheat Pathologist in the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University

Again, a cool and moist week in Oklahoma with rain and cool temperatures in the forecast through the weekend. Wheat is mostly at flowering around Stillwater but by early next week will likely be past flowering. From what I hear across the state, wheat is quickly approaching, at, or will be quickly past flowering (depending on what part of the state, when planted, and how much drought stress was endured).

"Around Stillwater there has been an increase in stripe rust and powdery mildew (especially stripe rust). Leaf rust also has increased, but not to the same extent (incidence or severity) as stripe rust. Dr. Brett Carver (OSU Wheat Breeder) indicated he saw significant stripe rust in his nurseries at Lahoma (north-central OK). Gary Strickland (Jackson County Extn Educator) also has observed an increase in stripe rust (and to a lesser extent, leaf rust) in far southwestern Oklahoma. My impression is that stripe rust has activated again with the cool and wet weather, and continues to spread across Oklahoma. This Thursday and Friday there will be field days in central Oklahoma, so look for a more extensive report next week.

"To the south of us in Texas (far southern Texas), Dr. Amir Ibrahim (Professor, Small Grains Breeder/Geneticist; Texas A&M AgriLife Research; College Station, TX) has indicated in breeder nurseries near Castroville, TX, that there is a mixture of stripe rust, leaf rust, bacterial leaf streak and some septoria. This has occurred because of back-and-forth switching between cool and warm temperatures mixed in with lots of rain. To some extent, this also has occurred across Oklahoma during April.

"Mite-transmitted viruses also are prevalent in Oklahoma this year. Yesterday when in nurseries here at Stillwater I noticed occasional trapped heads scattered throughout the field. In observing these in the lab using a dissecting scope, I found wheat curl mites associated with these trapped heads. Although only sporadic around Stillwater, the Diagnostic Lab has received multiple samples that they confirmed for presence of Wheat streak mosaic virus, Wheat mosaic virus (High plains virus), and/or Barley yellow dwarf virus. This includes samples from Grady, Noble, Grant, Texas and Woods Counties. I would refer you to EPP-7328 (Wheat Streak Mosaic, High Plains Disease, and Triticum Mosaic: Three Virus Diseases of Wheat in Oklahoma).

"Reports/excerpts of reports from other states:

"Kansas: Doug Shoup (SE Area Crops/Soil Specialist) & Erick DeWolf (Extn Plant Pathologist), Kansas State University, 22-Apr-2015: “Stripe rust has been found in several fields of wheat in southeast , south central, and north central Kansas.

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Video: AJ Armstrong Takes the Helm as Manitoba Seed Growers President

The Manitoba Seed Growers Association (MSGA) held its first annual SeedLink Conference in Brandon last week, where a new president was appointed to take the helm of the organization.

A.J. Armstrong of Armstrong Seeds in Boissevain took the gavel from Past-President Tom Greaves. In a sit-down interview, Armstrong shared insights into his personal journey within the seed industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in seed cultivation, he took the reins of the family business in 2003, building on a legacy initiated by his father in 1980.

Regulatory modernization emerged as a significant focus of the conversation. While acknowledging the complexities of the process, Armstrong expressed optimism about the potential benefits for seed growers once the regulatory framework is finalized.

Discussing the dynamics of working with family in a business setting, he stressed the importance of open communication.

Operating with a streamlined team that includes his mom as the bookkeeper, his father as the “gopher” handling specific tasks, and a dedicated employee for day-to-day operations, the Armstrong family has successfully navigated the intricate balance of personal and professional relationships.

Open discussions about roles, responsibilities, and business plans contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of a family-operated seed business,” he said.

SeedLink is a new event; the decision to explore a return to a two-day annual meeting format sparked enthusiasm among industry partners, including key players and sponsors like SeCan, FP Genetics, Canterra Seeds, and numerous others.