Researchers at Washington State University say they expect less stripe rust in 2021 compared to last year’s numbers. Professor Tim Murray says the university has one of the foremost experts on the topic in Dr. Xianming Chen who released his most recent forecast in late March.

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“He said that the models have changed to predict to being on the low end of the normal range. The reason for that is that stripe rust depends upon the weather for survival and the colder than average temperatures that we had during February actually reduced the survival of stripe rust.”

Dr. Chen’s team surveyed wheat fields across several counties to determine the amount of stripe rust, but found very little. Murray was quick to note this does not mean growers can ease up on scouting their fields. And he added growers need to pay attention to the resistance ratings on their variety.

“This disease can develop very quickly if conditions turn around and become favorable. Just because Dr. Chen’s team didn’t find stripe rust in Eastern Washington in their survey doesn’t mean that it’s not out there.” 

Murray said they are most concerned about the intermediate or higher rain fall areas, but stripe rust could appear anywhere. Dr. Chen posts a regular update on the forecast for stripe rust through the season. 

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