The province of Manitoba has detected its first case of strip rust.
Overwintering stripe rust was recently found on April 17th in a winter wheat field near Austin, however the fungal disease was also detected in the same crop last fall.
According to Manitoba Agriculture plant pathologist Holly Derksen, if not controlled the disease can cause a problem. She says most of the issues arise when it shows up on the flag leaves and therefore can be an issue with photosynthesis.
Derksen advises growers to scout new winter wheat growth to see if the disease is prone to spreading.