The wet spring throughout the Northern Plains has increased the risk of plant disease. NDSU Plant Pathologist Andrew Friskop warns stripe rust has been confirmed in North Dakota wheat fields. “We know the disease doesn’t over-winter in North Dakota and is dependent on southerly winds; because of that now we’re starting to see it.” The biggest risk is with susceptible varieties that are behind in the growth stages. Friskop also encourages growers to monitor the scab risk in spring wheat this summer.
