Early indicators point to return of field rust

Early indicators show another substantial infection of stripe rust could hit Whitman County wheat fields this summer.

Dr. Xianming Chen of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Pullman said last week he spotted rust pustules in several wheat fields in the Horse Heaven Hills in south-central Washington.

Steve Van Vleet, WSU Whitman County extension agronomist, said the Horse Heaven Hills fields are a good predictor of what could happen here.

“It’s an indicator because it usually moves from that area up to the Palouse,” said Van Vleet.

Both Van Vleet and Chen said last year’s extensive out...