Black stem rust, Puccinia graminis, is also sometimes referred to as wheat stem rust or stem rust of cereals. It is a heteroecious rust, meaning it requires two hosts to complete its life cycle. It is found world-wide including all 48 continental U.S. states. This rust can infect oat, barley, rye, orchard grass, timothy, fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass, wild barley and wheat relatives. It can cause significant yield loss to wheat growers. Its alternate hosts include Berberis, Mahoberberis and Mahonia spp.
Regulations and Movement
312 IAC 18-3-8 regulates the control of black stem rust and the importation of rust-resistant and rust-susceptible species of the alternate hosts into Indiana. All species and varieties of rust-susceptible Berberis (barberry), Mahoberberis (hybrid between barberry and mahonia) and Mahonia (mahonia) except mahonia cuttings for decorative purposes are prohibited from moving interstate into or through Indiana unless accompanied by relevant permit issued by USDA-APHIS.
Plants, seeds, fruits and other plant parts capable of propagation of several rust-resistant species of Berberis, Mahoberberis and Mahonia except Mahonia cuttings for decorative purposes are also regulated through this Indiana Administrative Code.
All plants are subject to inspection by a division inspector. Any plants not meeting the requirements will be destroyed.
