Common Root Rot and Fusarium Foot Rot of Wheat

Common root rot is caused by the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana. Fusarium foot rot, also known as dryland foot rot, is caused by fungi in the genus Fusarium. These diseases are most common in dryland winter wheat and in no-till and continuous wheat cropping systems. The most common Fusarium species causing foot rot are Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum. These fungi are abundant and occur in the soil and on cereals and other grass hosts. Infection of wheat heads results in infection or contamination of grain. If such grain is used as seed, seedling blights occur. The fungi also cause leaf spots and/or blotches. In winter wheat, the diseases caused by these fungi occur throughout the growing season. It is best to use certified seed that has been fungicide treated and tested for germination and variety purity. In the fall, seed treatment fungicides provide an early window of protection against common root rot and seedling blights caused by Fusarium spp.