Description of Stem, Leaf, and Stripe Rusts

The rusts are a group of fungi that are among the most destructive plant pathogens in the world. As noted
below, they are described in the earliest literature. They are notable, historically, for their severe attacks
on cereal grain crops. The diverse species may attack many grass hosts, and it is estimated that cereal
rusts reduce total grain yields by about 10 percent annually (Agrios 2005). Under epidemic conditions
they have caused famines and even ruined economies. There are more than 5,000 rust species that attack
many crops (Agrios 2005).
Three types of rusts infect wheat: stem (black) rust (Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. &
E. Henn; leaf (brown) rust (P. triticina Eriks.); and stripe (yellow) rust (P. striiformis Westend f. sp.
tritici). The life cycles of the different rusts can be quite complex. The most obvious structures seen to the
naked eye are the uredinial and telial 3 stages. These are the bases for the common names. In the case of
stem or black rust, the telial stage is quite obvious and it is black; leaf or brown rust has a brown uredinial
stage; and stripe or yellow rust has a striped uredinial stage (Figure 1.1).

Figure 1.1 Leaf, stem, and stripe rust - uredinial stages

Leaf rust Stem rust Stripe rust

Source: Cereal Disease Laboratory, ARS, USDA

The infections may occur on any of the parts above ground but generally the cereal rusts attack
the stem and leaves. The most obvious stage is the uredinial and appears as rusty spots or pustules that
contain millions of urediniospores or infective propagules. These occur in the spring and summer in all
three rusts and can continually re-infect the wheat crops and hence cause epidemics. Billions of
windborne spores may be produced that can be carried thousands of kilometers (km) (Agrios 2005).
Rusts may debilitate or kill young wheat plants but more typically reduce foliage, root growth,
and yield by decreasing photosynthesis, increasing respiration rate, and decreasing translocation of
carbohydrates. They move the carbohydrates to the areas infected and use them for growth (Agrios 2005).
Rust pathogens have an excellent ability to vary via mutation. Some may also vary through sexual
reproduction and thus overcome resistance genes. In the case of stem rust of wheat, the alternate host,
barberry (Berberis vulgaris) 4, historically played an important role in sexual variability in the United
States and other countries. However, the successful eradication of barberry has reduced the influence of
the sexual cycle on the disease (Roelfs et al. 1992).

3
Uredinia produce the summer rust spores and telia produce the overwintering spores.
4
An ornamental shrub originally from Europe.