Wheat Rust Threat: Farmers Alerted to Fatal Disease, Dhoti Test for Early Detection

• Wheat crops face increased risk of 'rust' disease due to changing weather, causing leaves to dry and grains to become light and hollow.
• Agricultural experts recommend a 'dhoti test' for early detection: if yellow or brown powder sticks to a white dhoti while walking in the field, it indicates infection.
• Dr. Hadi Hussain Khan explains rust is a fungal disease that disrupts photosynthesis, leading to shrunken grains.
• For black and brown rust, Mancozeb or Carbendazim (2g/liter) are effective; for the more dangerous yellow rust, Propiconazole (0.5ml/liter) is recommended.
• Immediate fungicide spraying, thorough leaf wetting, proper moisture, and balanced nitrogen are crucial for disease control and prevention.

Why It Matters: Farmers must monitor wheat crops for rust, use the dhoti test for early detection, and apply specific fungicides promptly.