Yellow rust detected in two villages of Ambala district

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ambala, January 23

Yellow rust has been reported in wheat crop at Hussaini and Danoura villages of the Naraingarh block in Ambala district. Yellow rust is a fungal disease, which manifests as powdery yellow stripes on leaves. These stripes hinder photosynthesis and makes grain shrivel and stop plant growth.

Shekhar Kumar, assistant plant protection officer, Ambala, said, “Teams of agriculture experts are visiting fields to detect the presence of yellow rust. It has been observed in around eight acres (two acres in Hussaini and six acres in Danoura villages).”

“The disease is in initial stage. Currently, it has been observed in patches. The weather is favorable for the disease. Farmers have been advised to keep a close watch on their crops and approach the department in case of any doubt,” he added.

“The disease spreads quickly. Hence regular monitoring and timely prevention can effectively curb this menace,” he said.

“Yellowing of leaves doesn’t necessarily signify yellow rust attack on wheat crop as there could be several reasons behind it, including heavy irrigation and lack of sunlight”, he added.

Deputy Director, Agriculture, Ambala, Girish Nagpal, said, “As per feedback from field there is outbreak of yellow rust disease in wheat. Teams of the Agriculture Department visited affected fields today. Officials have been directed to do intense survey. We have also requested headquarters to depute plant pathologist scientist to visit the affected area.”

“Farmers are advised to consult experts for confirmation of yellow rust and spray a solution of Propiconazole 25 % EC to control its spread,” said an agriculture expert.