Wheat Rust Epidemiology Across Various Sowing Windows at Two Agroclimatic Locations of Punjab

Wheat Rust Epidemiology Across Sowing Windows

Abstract

Yellow and brown rust severities were studied in three wheat varieties viz., PB 725, HD 2967 and HD 3086 sown on different dates (14th-15thOctober, 8th-9th November and 3rd-4th December) with two microclimate modification levels M1 (recommended irrigation) and M2 (additional water sprays). Yellow rust severity was reported to be highest in variety HD 2967 while brown rust severity was highest in variety HD 3086 in early date of sowing and M2 microclimate modification level. The yellow rust disease progression was slow at Ludhiana than Gurdaspur while brown rust disease progression was slow at Gurdaspur than Ludhiana. A significant positive correlation was found between maximum temperature, minimum temperature, sunshine hours with yellow and brown rust disease severities. Morning relative humidity and evening relative humidity had negative correlation with disease severities. Rainfall was negatively correlated with yellow rust severity. From regression analysis, it was concluded that minimum temperature, morning relative humidity, sunshine hours and rainfall were found to be important in rust spread in wheat.