SKUAST Jammu scientists monitor yellow rust of wheat

JAMMU : A committee of wheat scientists conducted an exhaustive survey of wheat fields in R.S Pura, Suchetgarh and adjoining areas to assess incidence of yellow rust of wheat.

The team interacted with the farmers of the area to assess incidence of yellow rust in standing wheat crops. The interaction with farmers and on spot visual assessment did not show any major incidence of yellow rust in any of the surveyed locations.

At most of the locations, the crop was at the booting stage, had a good stand and was disease free. However, very small foci of infection were noticed in isolated patches which were less than one per cent.

Keeping in view the epidemiology of the disease, it is anticipated that owing to an increase in daily maximum and minimum temperature in the coming days, the disease is unlikely to spread further. However, the farmers were advised that in case of any disease occurrence, propiconazole 25EC @ 1ml per litre may be sprayed to check any further spread of the disease.

The survey was carried out on the directions of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu Dr. J.P. Sharma and Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Bikram Singh.

The team of wheat scientists consisted of Dr. Amrish Vaid, Head, Plant Pathology, Dr. Tuhina Dey, Professor Plant Breeding and Dr. M.K. Pandey, PI, AICRP on Wheat and Barley.