Loose Smut of Wheat (Ustilago tritici) and Its Managements: A Review Article

Abstract

Among all diseases of wheat, seed-borne diseases such as smuts and bunts are found in every area where the wheat is grown. It is one of quarantine diseases of wheat that reduces the quality of grain seeds. Loose smut of wheat is occurred in cool and moist climate conditions. The successful infection of loose smut can occur after the anthesis. The pathogen remains dormant in the mature seed and germinates with germinating seeds. The mycelium of the fungus grows in the crown node and finally invades the inflorescence tissues. It develops with the seed embryo. It is disseminated by infected seeds and air by short distance. The pathogen has different types of host range especially all species of triticum. It is also pathogenic on Aegilops and rye (secale cereal). Most of the inoculums sources of loose smut are infected wheat seeds and air borne teliospores from smutted heads. In every infected areas of wheat by loose smut, a new race may arise by recombination of pre-existing virulence genes or through mutations. So, different types of management systems such as using of certified seeds treated with protectant fungicides, planting of resistant cultivars is very important.

Keywords:Wheat seeds, Loose smut, Ustilago tritici, seed-borne diseases

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-8-05

Publication date: April 30^th 2019