LEAF, STEM AND STRIPE RUST DISEASES OF WHEAT

Rust diseases of wheat are the oldest plant disease. Rust disease destroy entire wheat crops. There are three rust diseases that occur on wheat: stem rust, leaf rust and stripe rust. Thease disease are each caused by a particular species of the “rust” fungus, Puccinia. Rust fungi all produce, similar disease symptoms on the host plants and similar requirements for infections. The diseases get their name from their appearance on the plant. Infection can occur on any above ground plant part, leading to the production of pustules give the appearance of “Rust” on the plant.