Kigali, Rwanda - The proliferation of yellow rust wheat disease is a threat to food security and well-being of farmers in North and East Africa, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) warns in a statement issued Tuesday in Kigali, Rwanda. Yellow rust affects wheat yield and quality in many parts of the world. Three African countries - Morocco, Ethiopia and Kenya - are listed among regions that are at a high risk of seeing their wheat affected by yellow rust, which takes its name from the appearance of yellow-colored stripes on each leaf blade.

Wheat is the staple food for 35 percent of world population, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it supplies more calories and protein in diet than any other cultivated plant species, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

A three-day conference is being held, starting Tuesday in Aleppo, Syria, to find an effective remedy against yellow rust.

Pana 20/04/2011