There are three types of rust that may occur in Alberta:
- Stem Rust;
- Leaf Rust; and
- Stripe Rust.
Rusts are harmful to cereal crops because they spread rapidly due to their ability to release many spores. Rusts move readily on the plant as well as from one plant to another. Spores come in on southern spring winds from the U.S.A. and do not overwinter here.
What to Look For
Strip Rust in Barley Strip Rust in Winter Wheat
Crown Rust in Oats Stem Rust
Prevention
Although Rusts are not a particular problem in this area, it is good management to prevent the disease from establishing here. Some guidelines to follow are to:
- Plant resistant varieties whenever possible;
- Apply a registered seed treatment and plant early;
- Practice crop rotations that allow for at least a one-year break between cereal crops;
- Control volunteer cereals in other crops grown in the rotation; and
- Scout crops regularly and use a recommended fungicide at proper rates if required.
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