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Strategies for the regulation of common bunt (Tilletia caries) of wheat with regard to threshold values and non-chemical protection measures (Strategies for the regulation of common bunt of wheat)

Project


Project code: 2802OE086
Contract period: 01.06.2002 - 31.12.2003
Budget: 149,591 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: agronomy, fungal diseases, seeds, plant strengthener, impact of plant strengtheners

Seeds of four different susceptible wheat cultivars were inoculated with spores of T. caries in six levels (20-5000 spores/seed) and were treated with six alternative methods. In greenhouse experiments infestation with bunt was determined on the basis of early symptoms (necrotic flecking) on the leaves at BBCIi 14. Symptoms were observed in the untreated controls in all cultivars from the lowest inoculation level. The expression of symptoms varied in spite of standardized test conditions. The effects of treatments on early symptoms differed between cultivars. Trends indicate good effects of Tillecur and hot water treatment and no effects in treatments with microorganisms. The assessment of leaf symptoms was insufficient for the prediction of bunted ears, therefore a quantitative ELISA was used for the detection of T. caries in the apical point. Significant concentrations of the pathogen were determined at high inoculation levels, only here a connection between effects of treatment and concentration was observed. The relevance of early symptoms and/or immunological proof for the development of bunt has not been solved. At five locations field trials were performed with three cultivars. Three inoculation levels and two treatments. Infestation was different at the locations and depended on the sowing date and weather. Differences between inoculations and cultivars were clearly visible. Highly susceptible cultivars had bunted ears after inoculation with 20 spores/seed, the medium susceptible cultivar with 1000 spores/seed. After Tillecur treatment a very small number of infested ears were counted, after hot water treatment a lower effect was recorded. Field trials and calculations of the theoretical spore load revealed the risk potential of a low infestation. To avoid disease accumulation, susceptible cultivars should be treated when con-laminated with 5-10 spores/seed and medium susceptible cultivars at 1000 spores/seed.

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