For many gardeners, the hopes of growing various types of cereal and grain crops arise from a desire to increase the production of their gardens. The inclusion of crops such as oats, wheat, and barley may even be made when growers desire to become more self-sufficient, whether grown in a small home garden or on a larger homestead. Regardless of the motivation, the addition of these crops is an exciting step for most – at least until problems arise, like that of oat stem rust.
About Stem Rust of Oat Crops
While these crops are generally easy to grow in most climates across the United States, there are some issues that must be considered when planning grains. Diseases, such as oat stem rust, can greatly reduce potential harvests. Knowing how to treat oat stem rust will be key to a successful oat harvest.
In the past, stem rust in oats has been a major problem for commercial growers, which resulted in a high loss of yields. Today, the problem is more easily controlled. Stem rust of oat crops is a fungal disease. The most notable sign of oats with stem rust is the formation of small, brownish-red pustules along the stem of oat plants. In severe cases, this discoloration will also become noticeable on leaves and sheaths.
Prevention and Control of Stem Rust in Oats
While treating oat stem rust with fungicide is a possibility for commercial growers, the best technique by which to control the disease is prevention. The overwintering fungus which causes stem rust in oats is windborne. This means that garden sanitation and the removal of previously infected plant material are extremely important.
Additionally, crops planted and harvested early may be less likely to be impacted by the disease. In addition to proper garden clean-up and crop rotation schedules, the probability of oats with stem rust may be reduced by the removal of any nearby barberry plants, which serve as a host plant for the fungus.
In recent years, the introduction of new and improved varieties of oats has helped growers to better manage the risk of stem rust in their gardens. When planting, look for varieties of oat that demonstrate resistance to stem rust. These techniques, along with only purchasing seed from reputable sources, will help improve the chances of abundant harvests of homegrown oats.
-
10 Best Apartment Plants To Turn Your Small Space Into An OasisThe best apartment plants can lend an ambience of the tropics, brighten up a space, or add a touch of drama, and turn an apartment into a relaxing oasis.
-
Grow a Bathroom Oasis: 8 Best Bathroom Plants With No Light or Low LightSome apartment dwellers grow the best bathroom plants with no light or low light. Read how one of our favorite plant lovers does it in the big city.
-
Oat Rust Control: Treating Oats With Crown RustCrown rust is the most widespread and damaging disease found in oats. For individual growers, oats with crown rust can result in a total crop loss. Click here to learn more about control and treatment of oat rust.
-
Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus In Oats – Treating Oats With Barley Yellow DwarfIf you grow oats, barley, or wheat on your small farm or backyard garden, you need to know about barley yellow dwarf virus. This is a damaging disease that can cause losses of up to 25 percent. Know the signs and what you can do to in this article.
-
Oats Loose Smut Control – What Causes Oat Loose Smut DiseaseIf you grow cereal crops, it’s good to understand the basics about loose smut of oats in order to prevent it. Click this article for information about what causes oat loose smut, as well as tips on oats loose smut control.
-
Victoria Blight In Oats – Learn To Treat Oats With Victoria Blight
Victoria blight in oats once reached epidemic proportions. As a result, many oat cultivars that have proven to be resistant to crown rust are susceptible to Victoria blight of oats. Learn about the signs and symptoms of oats with Victoria blight in this article.
-
Oat Leaf Blotch Info: Recognizing Symptoms Of Oat Leaf BlotchCrop losses of as much as 15 percent have been reported from leaf blotch of oats. While this isn't a huge number, in commercial settings and in smaller fields, the impact is significant. However, oat leaf blotch control is possible. Click this article to learn more.
-
Oat Covered Smut Control – Treating Oats With Covered Smut DiseaseSmut is a fungal disease that attacks oat plants. There are two kinds of smut: loose smut and covered smut. If you are growing oats, you probably need oats covered smut information. Learn about oats with covered smut and tips on oat covered smut control here.
-
Oats With Powdery Mildew – How To Treat Powdery Mildew On Oats
While powdery mildew on oats isn’t the worst thing that can happen, it can markedly diminish crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot that growers can do about the pesky fungal disease. Click this article to learn more.
-
Halo Bacterial Blight Control – Treating Halo Blight In Oats
Halo blight in oats is a common, but nonlethal, bacterial disease that afflicts oats. The following oats halo blight info discusses the symptoms of oats with halo blight and management of the disease. Click here for more information.
