Current status of wheat diseases in Punjab

Abstract

Monitoring of wheat crop, pre and post harvest, was done for recording incidence of various diseases in Punjab state during the period 2013–14 to 2015–16. The data indicated a change in virulence of stripe rust pathogen among the pre harvest diseases, whereas, among the post harvest diseases, Karnal bunt, a minor disease earlier, has become a matter of concern as its incidence has increased over the years (highest 2.20% in 2014–15). The trend is considered mainly due to prevalence of favourable environmental conditions during the most vulnerable growth stage of the crop.