The Kranich yellow rust race has been detected in the UK for the first time and winter wheat growers are being advised to inspect varieties closely as part of a UK-wide monitoring effort.
The UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS) identified the new Kranich race from an isolate collected in 2014 and tested in the field in 2015.
The testing process revealed that some AHDB Recommended List (RL) and candidate varieties had a slight sensitivity to the new race.
No further Kranich isolates were collected in the UK in 2015 and the actual risk posed by the new race is unknown.
As a result of the latest development, growers are being asked to monitor all winter wheat varieties, including those with a high disease rating, and report abnormal amounts of yellow rust to the UKCPVS.
The UKCPVS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as definitive information becomes available.
What is the Kranich race?
The Kranich race, which is named after a winter wheat variety, was first found in Denmark and Sweden in 2011.It is the first new race detected in the UK since 2011, which saw the Warrior race arrive and establish in the UK.
Dr Sarah Holdgate, UKCPVS project manager based at NIAB, said: “The Kranich race is believed to be an exotic incursion similar to the Warrior group of races, although the two are not closely related.
Dr Holdgate said: “We need to work together to monitor pathogen populations. In fact, our success relies on infected wheat and barley leaf samples sent in from commercial crops and trials.
“May, June and July is the peak period for sampling but we welcome rust and mildew samples at any time in the season from any variety.
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