Fact Sheets - Forage & Field Diseases
Alfalfa Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is an obligated parasite. Even though they look like fungi they are not. They belong to the Oomycota and are more closely related to algae than true fungi.
Alfalfa Stem Nematode
Alfalfa stem nematode, belongs to a diverse species of nematode often referred to as stem and bulb nematodes. Within this species are a number of races or strains of the nematode.
Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV)
Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is found worldwide. It infects small grains like barley, wheat, oats and rice as well as many wild grass species. There are two strains of the barley yellow dwarf virus: BYDV-MAV and BYDV-PAV.
Dwarf Bunt in Winter Wheat
Dwarf bunt or stinking smut is a disease that impacted Utah winter wheat production in the 1930s, resulting in fields with 95% infections. Breeding and selection of resistant varieties has irradiated the disease.
Snow Mold on Small Grains
Snow molds are diseases caused by fungi that attack small grain crops under snow cover or in cool, wet weather. There are three important types of snow mold fungi that can infect small grains in Utah.
Wheat Stripe Rust
Stripe rust, or yellow rust, is primarily a foliar fungal disease of wheat, although it can infect spike and stem tissues. If the pathogen infect the spike (head) it causes extensive quality and grain yield loss.