Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is one of the most dreaded diseases of wheat worldwide.The disease is continually extending the geographical limits, showing movement towards warmer areas due to the appearance of more aggressive strains having affiliation towards higher temperatures. Yield losses in wheat are usually the result of reduced kernel number and size, low test weight, reduced dry matter, poor root growth and reduced kernel quality. Losses in the yield of wheat due to the disease primarily depended on the level of susceptibility, environmental conditions and the stage of infection. Comprehensive understanding and acquaintance about the disease is still lacking due to the scarcity information about its etiology and epidemiology. This review article gives an overall account of the history and impact of stripe rust on wheat, its present status, yield losses, life cycle, infection process and epidemiology.

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