Septoria tritici blotch

Septoria tritici blotch

Description

• Septoria tritici blotch is an important stubble borne foliar disease of wheat 

• This disease has increased in importance in the high rainfall cropping regions during the last five years

• Formerly controlled for the last 30 years through the use of partially resistant wheat varieties

Symptoms

• Pale grey to dark brown blotches on the leaves, and to a lesser extent stems and heads

• Presence of characteristic black fruiting bodies (pycnidia) within the blotches

• Whole leaf death may occur if the disease is severe

Damage

• When susceptible and very susceptible varieties are grown, Septoria tritici blotch is likely to cause annual average losses of up to 20 per cent, with much higher individual crop losses possible

Control

Resistant varieties are generally effective in controlling this disease. However, an integrated approach that incorporates crop rotation, managing stubble, avoiding early sowing, and alternating fungicides can also be used to manage Septoria tritici blotch if outbreaks occur.

Links and Resources

DAFWA - Farmnote 456. Septoria tritici blotch Page contains information on cereal seed dressing and in-furrow fungicides used for septoria tritici blotch, disease diagnosis, cautions, and further contacts. Page last updated 2011.

DEPI VIC - Septoria Tritici Blotch of Wheat Overview of wheat blotch, symptoms, disease cyle, economic importance, and management. Published 2007, updated 2012, reviewed 2013.

Victorian winter crop summary 2014 - Septoria tritici blotch Table 6: Wheat disease guide. Page 11. Causal organism, symptoms, occurrence, inoculum source, and control. Updated annually.