No wheat variety is resistant to all races of leaf rust. Plant leaf rust-resistant varieties adapted to Ohio conditions. A listing of the wheat varieties grown in Ohio and their reactions to leaf rust is available from county OSU Extension offices. Be willing to change varieties when epidemics of leaf rust occur. Plant after the Hessian fly-safe date recommended for your area.
Early planting increases the chance of fall infections.
Severely infected seedlings are stressed and are more susceptible to winter injury. Adequate fertilization based on a soil test should reduce the possibility of severe yield loss due to leaf rust. Where greater amounts of nitrogen have been applied to wheat without sufficient potassium and phosphorus, leaf rust has disproportionately reduced yields. Following soil test recommendations should increase yield without increasing the susceptibility of the crop. Fungicides are available for control of leaf rust on wheat.