|
 |
|
Bunt, or stinking
smut |
Causal organism - Mainly Microdochium nivale
 |
 |
 |
 |
The most important source of Microdochium nivale for wheat crops is the seed. In seasons where weather conditions are wet during flowering and grain formation, ear infection is common and can result in very high levels of seed-borne infection. In such seasons seed-borne infection can pose a serious threat to crop establishment unless seed is treated to control the disease.
Many true Fusarium species are common in soil but these play little part in seedling blight. Most have competitive saprophytic abilities which allow them to colonise debris and stubble in soil and they play a part in Fusarium foot rot and Fusarium ear diseases.
Symptoms of seedlng blight are common in wheat crops in the UK. Crops drilled into poor seedbeds or into cold wet soils are particularly at risk. However, severe disease is very rare in the UK as most crops are grown from fungicide-treated seed. The seed-borne phase of the disease is potentially very damaging, particularly if crops are sown late or into poor seedbeds. Seed treatment plays a major role in preventing seedling losses due to Microdochium and Fusarium infection.
