In previous years stripe rust has been severe in southwest Arkansas and the western Arkansas River Valley where the fungus overwintered, but severity has been light in the Delta.
Symptoms appear on leaves as long yellow stripes containing masses of yellow powdery spores.
The disease develops much like leaf rust but is favored by cooler temperatures. It develops earlier in the spring and may be hindered by hot temperatures. However, hot days with cool nights are still favorable for disease. Some varieties are resistant to prevalent races of stripe rust, however, most are susceptible since there has been little selection for resistance. See the section on leaf rust and fact sheets on seed treatments and foliar fungicides for more information.