Their information will be used by scientists working to control azalea pests and to plant inspectors at ports of entry charged with identifying alien insect pests. That's because common barberry, Berberis vulgaris , is an alternate host for wheat stem rust, and its presence puts vulnerable crops like wheat, oats and barley at greater risk of rust infection. Barberry bushes were identified as the primary source of new stem rust races before a nationwide eradication program was initiated to remove them. More than 100 million barberry bushes were destroyed between 1918 and 1975. However, it is re-emerging in wooded areas of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Birds spread barberry seeds by eating berries that grow on the bushes.
Barberry growing at or near the edge of wooded areas are more likely to be visited by birds. ARS researchers are keeping tabs on new barberry growth, and are continuing efforts to breed wheat varieties with increased rust resistance. A resurgence in barberry populations could complicate efforts to develop rust resistant varieties of wheat, oats and barley. Berberis vulgaris has not been used as an ornamental shrub since eradication began. Nationally, the horticulture industry cooperated by removing the bush from ornamental stocks.