Estimated yield reductions and economic losses on wheat caused by disease from 2018 through 2021

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and economic losses caused by pathogens were estimated annually by plant pathologists from 29 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada from 2018 through 2021. During this four-year period, plant pathogens caused an estimated reduction of 560 million bushels with an estimated loss value of $2.9 billion USD. Annual losses ranged from 111 million bushels in 2018 to 188 million bushels in 2019. Based on the number of acres planted, the average per acre loss caused by plant pathogens was $18.10 USD across all years and states/province recording estimates. Fusarium head blight (caused by multiple species of Fusarium) was responsible for the greatest overall estimated reduction in yield, followed by stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis) and leaf rust (caused by P. triticina). Although important disease management costs such as pesticide application were not considered, results show the importance of continued plant disease education and research. Quantifying estimated losses associated with plant pathogens impacting wheat remains an important endeavor. Estimates provided by this group of experts are expected to be used as a guide to influence funding for plant disease research by directing Extension and research through both applied and basic efforts. Moreover, the continued effort to quantify plant diseases and their influence on yield losses as well as the economics of managing plant diseases will help inform the industries that influence plant disease management as well as help shape and on-farm disease management efforts.