The potential for stem rust to affect the world's major wheat production regions has been identified in a series of reports. FAO is working with partners to tackle the outbreak, intensifying the training of specialists in affected countries, especially Yemen, in order to enhance their ability to detect and deal with rust strains. " Two studies by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2017 found new strains of yellow and black rust had appeared in various parts of the world in 2016, while older strains spread in Europe, Africa and Asia. In Australia, where more than half of Australia's wheat is grown on irrigated land, there have already been reports of damage from rust. The FAO estimated that 31 north and east African countries and Asia are responsible for 37% of wheat production worldwide.
The potential for stem rust to affect the world's major wheat production regions has been identified in a series of reports. Two studies by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2017 found new strains of yellow and black rust had appeared in various parts of the world in 2016, while older strains spread in Europe, Africa and Asia. In Australia, where more than half of Australia's wheat is grown on irrigated land, there have already been reports of damage from rust. The FAO estimated that 31 north and east African countries and Asia are responsible for 37% of wheat production worldwide.