Agricultural crops in Al-Jazira region were infected with fungi

Some wheat and barley crops in Tel Hamis, Tel Kocher/Al Yaarubiyah and Tel Brak areas were infected with a type of fungus that causes the plants to yellow and die.

Farmer Ahmed Al-Balou from the countryside of Tel Kochar/Al-Yaarubiyah told ASO News Network that he noticed his crop was infected at the beginning of this March, and it appeared in the form of yellow spots on the leaves of the plants. The fungus quickly moved from one place to another in the field.

He pointed out that he used agricultural pesticides to combat this pest in his field, after seeking the help of an agricultural engineer.

Fayez Al-Shaher, another farmer from the area, stated that infections with this pest varied from one place to another, and he noticed that some plants dried up as the infection progressed, indicating his fear despite his use of appropriate pesticides.

Agricultural engineer Mohammed Hilal explained to ASO News Network that during field trips to inspect infected agricultural lands, there were suspicions about orange and yellow rust. These spots, as the infection progresses, then the plant turns yellow, then brown, dries up, and then dies.”

Hilal attributed the cause of the infection to fungal spores found from the remains of the previous year’s crops, and they become active as a result of excess moisture and moderate temperatures between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Regarding prevention methods, Hilal stressed that the procedures include getting rid of the remains of harmful weeds and their residues, following an organized agricultural cycle, sterilizing seeds with pesticides before planting, and adopting resistant agricultural varieties.

When the injury occurs, Hilal stressed that agricultural pesticides must be used, “such as tebaquinazole, diphenoquinazole, and oxystrobin.”

Agricultural engineer Mohammed Haysam stated that the rate of fungal infection in Al-Jazira countryside varies between 40 and 50 percent.

The media office of the Agriculture Authority in Al-Jazeera region confirmed in a statement to ASO News Network: that the offices of the Authority, specifically the plant protection offices, are open in the aforementioned areas, and ready to provide the necessary guidance to avoid the damage caused by infection.