Healthy wheat stalk, standing tall amidst a field of decaying crops.

Is Your Wheat at Risk? Unveiling the Secrets to Fighting Stem Rust

Elliot Brynn in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A groundbreaking study reveals how farming practices impact wheat stem rust in Kenya, offering crucial insights for global food security."

Wheat is a cornerstone of global food security, feeding billions worldwide. Yet, this vital crop faces a persistent threat: stem rust, a devastating disease caused by the fungus Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici. When stem rust strikes, it can decimate entire fields, leading to significant losses for farmers and jeopardizing food supplies.

The impact of stem rust is particularly acute in regions where wheat is a primary staple. In Kenya, where wheat is second only to maize in importance, understanding and managing this disease is paramount. A recent study delved into the connection between farming practices and the incidence and severity of wheat stem rust in the Central Rift Valley, a key wheat-growing area.

This research offers valuable insights for farmers, policymakers, and agricultural experts alike. By understanding how different farming practices influence stem rust outbreaks, we can implement more effective strategies to protect wheat crops and ensure food security for communities that rely on this essential grain.

Unmasking the Culprits: How Farming Practices Fuel Stem Rust

Healthy wheat stalk, standing tall amidst a field of decaying crops.

The study, conducted across Mau-Narok, Njoro, and Kabatini regions, assessed 149 small-scale wheat growers' fields during the 2015 growing season. The results painted a concerning picture: stem rust incidence ranged from 11.3% to a staggering 77.8%, with severity levels between 20% and 60%. But the study didn't stop at measuring the problem; it sought to identify the farming practices that contributed to it.

The research confirmed a strong link between specific farming practices and the prevalence of stem rust. These included:

Chemical Control: Relying on just one or two fungicide sprays during the growing season often proved insufficient.
Varieties Grown: Certain wheat varieties showed greater susceptibility to the disease. Older varieties, in particular, were more prone to infection.
Seed Source: The use of uncertified seeds significantly increased the risk of stem rust outbreaks.
Crop Rotation: While most farmers practiced crop rotation, the specific methods employed could still impact disease levels.

The study highlighted the critical role of fungicide use, with 43.2% of growers in Mau-Narok, 38.9% in Kabatini, and 17.8% in Njoro reporting its use for stem rust control. However, the effectiveness of these treatments varied, suggesting that factors like application timing and dosage are crucial. Furthermore, the preference for older wheat varieties like Robin and NjoroBWII among 50.6% of growers raised concerns about their susceptibility to the disease. Encouragingly, 97.8% of farmers practiced crop rotation with legumes, a practice known to help break disease cycles.

A Multi-Pronged Approach: The Key to Stem Rust Control

The findings of this study underscore the need for a comprehensive, multi-tactic approach to managing wheat stem rust. This includes optimizing fungicide applications, promoting the use of certified seeds of resistant varieties, and implementing effective crop rotation strategies. By embracing these integrated strategies, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of stem rust outbreaks and safeguard their wheat crops, ensuring a more secure food future for their communities.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5897/ajar2016.11154, Alternate LINK

Title: Wheat Stem Rust Disease Incidence And Severity Associated With Farming Practices In The Central Rift Valley Of Kenya

Subject: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Journal: African Journal of Agricultural Research

Publisher: Academic Journals

Authors: Nafula Tenge Beatrice, Peter Okwiri Ojwang Pascal, Otaye Daniel, Maurice

Published: 2016-07-21

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is stem rust and why is it such a threat to wheat crops?

Stem rust is a disease that is caused by the fungus *Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici*. It can lead to the devastation of entire wheat fields, resulting in significant losses for farmers and jeopardizing food supplies.

According to the study, what specific farming practices contribute to the spread and severity of wheat stem rust?

The study identified several farming practices that can influence the prevalence of stem rust. These include the number of fungicide sprays applied, the varieties of wheat grown, the source of seeds used, and the specific crop rotation methods employed. Chemical control using only one or two fungicide sprays, older wheat varieties, and the use of uncertified seeds can increase the risk of stem rust outbreaks. The specific methods of crop rotation can also impact disease levels.

What are the key strategies farmers can implement to effectively control and manage wheat stem rust?

To control wheat stem rust, a multi-tactic approach is needed. This involves optimizing fungicide applications, promoting the use of certified seeds of resistant varieties, and implementing effective crop rotation strategies with legumes. The adoption of these integrated strategies helps reduce the risk of outbreaks and safeguard wheat crops.

Why is the continued use of older wheat varieties a concern regarding stem rust, and what are the implications for disease management?

The preference for older wheat varieties such as Robin and NjoroBWII is a concern because these varieties are more susceptible to stem rust. Using resistant varieties is crucial in combating the disease. Newer, resistant varieties can significantly reduce the risk of infection and protect yields. This is because some varieties have the genetic capability to fight off the *Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici* fungus better than other varieties. The study advocates for these types of newer varieties.

Besides stem rust, what other factors and diseases should wheat farmers consider for overall crop health and yield optimization, even though this study did not focus on them?

While the study focused on stem rust, other wheat diseases, such as leaf rust and stripe rust, can also significantly impact wheat production. Additionally, factors such as soil health, climate conditions, and integrated pest management practices also play crucial roles in ensuring wheat crop health and yields. Further research and comprehensive approaches are needed to address these interconnected challenges in wheat farming, but were not the focus of the study.