Effects of Leaf Rust and Septoria Leaf Blotch on Yield and Test Weight of Wheat in Arkansas

Abstract

Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia recondita, and Septoria leaf blotch, caused by Septoria tritici, are the most serious foliar fungal diseases of wheat in Arkansas. This study was conducted to determine the relationship of leaf rust and leaf blotch severities at the soft dough stage to yield and test weight losses. Field experiments were conducted on three wheat cultivars during two growing seasons at two locations. For each cultivar, foliar fungicides caused differences in leaf rust and leaf blotch severities, yield, and test weight. Regression was used to determine the relationship of leaf rust and leaf blotch severities to yield and test weight losses. Average yield losses for cultivars Florida 302 and Rosen were 0.30 and 0.25% for each 1% increase in rust severity, respectively