Key Technical Points for the Control of Wheat’s “Three Diseases and One Pest” (stripe rust, scab, stem base rot, and aphids)

Wheat’s “three diseases and one pest” (stripe rust, Fusarium head blight, stem base rot, and aphids) are major pathogens and pests in China, characterized by a wide geographic distribution, frequent recurrence, and substantial yield losses. Among these, stripe rust, Fusarium head blight, and aphids are classified as Class I pests and diseases, while stem base rot has been spreading rapidly in recent years. According to predictive analyses, this year is expected to see a generally severe outbreak of Fusarium head blight, stem base rot, and aphids, with stripe rust exhibiting localized, severe epidemics in certain wheat-growing regions, posing a serious threat to yield increases and bountiful harvests. To achieve economical, environmentally friendly, and efficient control of these four threats, key technical guidelines for their management have been formulated.

I. Wheat Stripe Rust

Northwest and Southwest summer‑overwintering regions. Implement “surveying with fungicides”: upon detection of infected leaves, apply fungicides immediately to prevent disease spread. At the same time, strengthen management of the sexual generation of stripe rust fungus by adopting a “clear—spray—seal” approach: remove Berberis plants within 50 meters of wheat fields; spray fungicides on Berberis before rust spores mature and disperse; and seal wheat straw into stacks to disrupt the alternate host–wheat–Berberis cycle, thereby preventing physiological race variation in the pathogen. In spring, once an epidemic trend emerges, promptly apply triazoles such as tebuconazole or flutriafol via foliar sprays to curb disease incidence and damage.

　　Wintering and breeding areas include the Southwest and the Han River basin. In spring, fully implement the “treat‑while‑surveying; detect a single spot, contain an entire area” strategy to control disease at the focal point while safeguarding the broader region, thereby reducing the initial pathogen reservoir and lowering the risk of large‑scale epidemics later in the season. Once disease foci emerge in the fields, promptly launch coordinated prevention and control efforts and adopt integrated pest management to effectively mitigate local damage and curb the spread of the pathogen to major wheat‑producing regions such as the Huanghuai and Jianghuai areas.

　　The Huanghuaihai spring‑time epidemic area. Strengthen monitoring, surveys, and forecasting and early warning; upon detection of the disease, promptly conduct a comprehensive field survey, implement spot‑treatment to contain spread, and strictly control outbreak centers. When the incidence of diseased leaves in the field reaches 0.5%–1%, organize timely, coordinated control measures, applying fungicides such as tebuconazole, flutriafol, propiconazole, and epoxiconazole by spraying to curb large‑scale disease outbreaks.

II. Wheat Fusarium Head Blight

　　In the Yangtze River Basin, the Jianghuai region, and the southern Huanghuai area—regions where the disease is frequently observed—fully implement the “apply fungicide upon flowering” preventive strategy. If, following application, prolonged cloudy and rainy weather or extended periods of high humidity occur—conditions conducive to pathogen spread—carry out a second treatment within 5–7 days after the first. In areas where carbendazim resistance has developed, consider using highly effective agents such as cyproconazole, tebuconazole, prothioconazole, fluxapyroxad, and epoxiconazole to enhance preventive efficacy and reduce the risk of mycotoxin contamination. Adopt rotation strategies and other measures to delay the emergence of resistance. For formulation selection, prioritize rain‑fast products like ultrafine powders.

　　Occasional outbreak areas include northern Huanghuai and North China. Strengthen monitoring and water–fertilizer management, and closely track weather changes during the heading and flowering stages. When favorable climatic conditions for disease development arise, seize the critical period from wheat heading to the early flowering stage and apply fungicides such as carbendazim, cyproconazole, tebuconazole, and prothioconazole for timely prevention.

III. Wheat Stem Base Rot

　　Building on the autumn seed‑treatment protocol, in early spring—coordinated with control of sheath blight—apply appropriate fungicides such as prothioconazole, cyproconazole, propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, epoxiconazole, cyazofamid, tebuconazole, difenoconazole, and chlorothalonil to curb disease development and spread. When applying these products, it is best to use a self‑propelled boom sprayer or a backpack sprayer; increase the water volume appropriately, lower the nozzle height, and carefully regulate the spray direction, focusing application on the base of the wheat stems.

IV. Wheat Aphids

　　During the green-up and jointing stages, prioritize pest monitoring and leverage natural enemies to exert biological control. When localized outbreaks occur, implement targeted treatments promptly; if the aphid population exceeds 200 per 100 plants in the field, apply chemical control measures. During the heading–grain-filling stage, when the aphid count reaches 800 or more per 100 spikes and the ratio of natural enemies to wheat aphids falls below 1:150, employ selective insecticides such as imidacloprid, acetamiprid, or chlorfluazuron‑thiamethoxam for spray applications, or opt for biopesticides like matrine. In areas where conditions permit, release aphid‑parasitizing wasps and other natural enemies to carry out biological control. In the late growth stage, integrate pest and disease management—addressing stripe rust, Fusarium head blight, powdery mildew, and others—within a “one‑spray‑three‑protections” approach, adding aphid‑control agents and neonicotinoid insecticides for coordinated, large‑scale protection. Use high‑efficiency application equipment, such as boom sprayers and unmanned aerial vehicles, along with fine‑nozzle sprayers, and incorporate appropriate functional adjuvants to ensure effective control.

Source: National Agricultural Technology Center