Prevalence of Wheat Rust Pathogen (Puccinia spp.) in Pasinler District, Erzurum Province

Wheat rust diseases (Puccinia spp.) are among the major fungal pathogens that significantly

affect wheat production both globally and in Turkey. These diseases cause pustule formation on

leaves and spikes, disrupting photosynthesis and nutrient transport, which leads to yield reduction

and quality loss. Although Erzurum Province is an important wheat-growing region due to its

favorable climatic and soil conditions, data on the occurrence of rust diseases in the Pasinler district

remain limited. This study was conducted during the 2025 wheat growing season using randomly

collected wheat samples from various fields in Pasinler. Rust symptoms on leaves and spikes were

recorded during field surveys, and disease prevalence and severity were assessed based on the

proportion of infected plants and pustule density. Morphological identification was employed as the

primary method for evaluating the distribution and intensity of the disease in the field. The results

revealed that wheat rust is moderately widespread in the Pasinler district, showing variability among

fields. The overall disease incidence ranged from 13% to 17%, with slightly higher severity observed

in certain areas. This variation was closely related to regional climatic conditions, sowing dates, wheat

cultivars, and agronomic practices. Early detection and the implementation of integrated disease

management strategies are crucial to minimize yield losses. The study provides valuable insights for

monitoring wheat rust in the Pasinler region, facilitating early diagnosis and the planning of

appropriate cultural and biological control measures. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of

developing regional epidemiological data and disease maps for future research and management

planning.

Keywords: Wheat, Rust disease, Puccinia spp., Disease prevalence, Epidemiology