Characterization of Wheat Leaf Rust Epidemics in Louisiana

(...) The average apparent infection rates of the epidemics were significantly different for different dates of inoculation. (...) Leaf rust severity was highly correlated with cumulative degree days following inoculation. (...) The logistic model adequately explained the development of leaf rust in time and space. Cultivar resistance affected leaf rust severity and extent of spread. (...) Yield reductions in all the cultivars were significantly related to areas under the disease progress curve and distance from focus. The significance of distance of spread in estimating yield reduction is discussed