Weed and Disease Management

Stripe Rust

The Commission annually funds research to monitor the conditions for stripe rust to advise producers when controls may be needed. Variety selection can reduce the impact when selecting for less susceptible cultivars.

The current stripe rust conditions report and information on cultivar susceptibility is available below. As of the March report: "Wheat stripe rust is forecasted to be in the upper range of severe epidemic (40-60% yield losses on susceptible varieties) in the 2026 growing season for the eastern Pacific Northwest." See the March report for recommendations on management controls.

Stripe Rust Updates

2026 Second Stripe Rust Report (March)

2026 First Stripe Rust Report (January)

Combating Take-All

Take-all disease of wheat is caused by the soilborne fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt). This disease infects the roots, crown, and basal stem of plants. Take-all is common in western Oregon whenever consecutive crops of wheat are grown. Management techniques can help combat take-all. If you are considering a wheat-on-wheat planting this year, read through the 'Combating Take-All' publication below from Oregon State.

Techniques to Manage Take-All

Management to Combat Take-All

Managing Herbicide Resistant Weeds

Best Management Practices (BMPs) to manage herbicide-resistant weeds are critical to the long-term sustainability of wheat production in the Pacific Northwest. Using BMPs are the most effective way to manage weeds, including herbicide-resistant weeds, especially when incorporated into a long-term weed management plan.

Resources for producers on BMP's are available below. In addition, we are pleased to have secured federal funding as part of the tri-state collaborative to further address herbicide resistant weed issues.

Managing Herbicide Resistant Weeds in the PNW

Fusarium Head Blight

If your operation has corn production as an opportunity, it is critical to consider breaking the disease cycle with a non-grass crop following corn. When possible, tillage following the corn rotation before planting wheat is highly encouraged to help bury and break down corn residue and reduce the inoculum source. Watch the short field day video about Fusarium head blight or access the document outlining recommended actions from OSU here. This document is compiled as a follow up to the video, and is aimed as an informational resource for producers who plan to plant winter wheat, directly following corn.

FHB has been historically rare and of little economic importance due to limited springtime rainfall. However, with increased rainfall in spring, growers can take steps to assess and mitigate impacts, when needed. Learn more here.