Infections were found in susceptible varieties and Agriculture Victoria said they were likely to be the same strain that caused issues last year.

Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Mark McLean advises growers and consultants to inspect cereal crops for symptoms and determine the need to apply foliar fungicides.

Dr McLean said growers should check the latest disease resistance ratings in the Victorian Cereal Disease Guide (https://bit.ly/3DwXrh4) to identify the varieties at greatest risk.

"This is a relatively early infection for stripe rust and it could be a sign of significant issues if conditions continue to be favourable," Dr McLean said.

"Rusts have the potential to cause more than 30 per cent yield loss in susceptible varieties, if unmanaged," he said.

Growers and advisors are encouraged to adopt a three-step approach to assess stripe rust infection and review variety ratings using a current cereal disease guide. To ensure the ratings are current do not use one from previous years.

Growers can also use the StripeRustWM app to support decision-making. The app can be downloaded from the Apple and Google Play stores.

"The StripeRustWM app is a useful tool to support decisions around stripe rust management. The app was developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and has been tested in Victoria in recent years to validate results," Dr McLean said.

Wheat stripe rust is expected to develop in susceptible crops during the next few weeks as temperatures increase.

Dr McLean said that adult plant resistance (APR) in some varieties will provide some control later in the season.

He also encourages any growers who have found rust to send a sample to the Australian cereal rust survey (https://bit.ly/3Dq8qZs) to help researchers understand the distribution of rust species and whether any new pathotypes have emerged.