CAUSES OF WHEAT STEM RUST DISEASE AND A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF FUNGICIDES

Stem rust of wheat is one of the most dangerous fungal diseases that significantly reduces crop productivity and grain quality in many wheat-growing regions of the world. The disease is mainly caused by the fungus Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici and develops rapidly under favorable environmental conditions such as high humidity and moderate temperatures. The appearance and spread of stem rust are influenced by several factors including susceptible wheat varieties, climatic conditions, presence of alternative host plants, and insufficient plant protection measures. If not controlled in time, the disease can lead to severe yield losses. Modern plant protection strategies focus on the integrated management of stem rust, where fungicides play an important role in preventing and reducing disease development. Fungicides help protect wheat plants from infection, slow down the spread of the pathogen, and maintain stable yields. This article provides a general overview of the causes of wheat stem rust occurrence, the biological characteristics of the pathogen, and the role of fungicides in controlling the disease.