Wheat diseases: an overview

Publication date: 31/07/2016
Extent: 32 pages

Contributions by: Albrecht Serfl ing, Doris Kopahnke, Antje Habekuss, Flutur ë Novakazi and Frank Ordon, Julius K ü hn-Institute (JKI), Institute for Resistance Research and Stress Tolerance, Germany

Chapter synopsis: Fungal and viral pathogens lead to significant yield losses in wheat crops worldwide. This chapter reviews the important fungal and viral diseases of wheat, considering their mode of infection, symptoms, distribution and effect on wheat yield. Responses to each pathogen are discussed, including adaptations to wheat production systems, the use of fungicides and insecticides, and improvement of the resistance of wheat to pathogens. Particular emphasis is placed on resistance of wheat as the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly form of plant protection.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0004.19