Ikterust
Ikterust, or yellow rust, is a fungal disease of cereal crops caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. It primarily infects wheat, and to a lesser extent barley and other grasses. The disease manifests as yellow to orange pustules arranged in alternating stripes along the leaves, leading to chlorosis and necrosis. Infected leaves lose photosynthetic capacity, which can reduce grain yield and quality, especially in susceptible varieties and under conducive weather conditions.
The pathogen propagates through wind-dispersed urediniospores. In temperate climates, cool and wet conditions during spring and
Management relies on an integrated approach. Use resistant cultivars carrying valid Yr resistance genes; rotate crops
Economic impact can be substantial in years with favorable conditions for the pathogen, leading to reduced
See also: rust diseases, Puccinia, cereal crops, plant pathology.