Media release no.
The risk of leaf and stem rust in wheat crops is considerably lower this season than in previous seasons, even in the eastern wheatbelt which has been susceptible in the last few years. But Agriculture Western Australia development officer Sandra Brown said while there was less rust at this time of the year compared to previous years, it was still possible for some rust to develop later in the season if conditions were very favourable. It appears that the January crop volunteers throughout the Morowa, Perenjori and Bowgada districts in the north and in the Lake King and Esperance districts in the south have matured and died without developing rust, due to the record dry spell. Ms Brown said growers should consider a range of planting options relative to the reduced risk of rust during this growing season. Growers in northern areas, where the risk of some infection remains, should consider growing some resistant varieties or budget for use of a fungicide spray, depending on the susceptibility of the variety.