Kansas is hosting an unwanted traveler this year; wheat flag smut has made its way into the state’s wheat fields for the first time since the 1930s. The fungal disease poses no threat to humans or animals, and has no effect on grain quality, but can reduce yields.
The finding is significant because some countries that buy U.S. wheat have import restrictions on grain produced in areas where flag smut is known to occur. Kansas is typically the No. 1 U.S. wheat-producing state and typically grows about 20 percent of the total U.S. crop.
Wheat leaf shows symptoms of flag smut. A severe infection usually induces the leaves to roll, producing an onion-type leaf appearance. This disease, which hasn’t been seen since the 1930s, is rearing its head in Kansas, causing concerns regarding international wheat trade.
The fungus Urocystis tritici causes flag smut, which was found this year in a field in May during routine crop monitoring by Kansas State University Extension and the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Since then, it has been confirmed in 39 other Kansas locations. The percentage of infected tillers found in those fields, however, has been low.
To help growers identify the disease, Kansas State University has a new fact sheet, Publication MF3235. Visit www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3235.pdf to see the reference guide.
The fungus can survive in the soil for at least four years and can be moved to adjacent fields by wind, plant debris, or equipment, said Erick De Wolf, Kansas State University plant pathologist. Most of this year’s winter wheat crop has been harvested, but it won’t be long before growers start planting a new crop this fall.
“In general, the risk of infection is greatest when winter wheat is planted into warm, moist soils,” DeWolf said. “Fungicide seed treatments are the most effective way to manage flag smut.
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