Septoria Tritici Blotch (Septoria tritici) of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Effect and Management Options - A Review

Abstract

Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, anamorph: Septoria tritici Rob. ex Desm., is an important wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pathogen worldwide, reported to be major wheat production threating factor, posing considerable yield loss every year. Different disease management options are being used to minimize its effect. Cultural disease management methods such as rotation with non-host crops, field sanitation, late planting and inter-cropping of wheat with other crops can reduce the incidence and severity of STB by reducing available inoculum to initiate infection. Biological control agents such as fungi belonging to Trichoderma spp. and bacteria such as Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonads spp. and Lactobacillus strains have ability to inhibit growth of the causal pathogen. Application of fungicides, seed treatment or foliar sprays, is used to control STB, as a stop-gap measure or as an integral part of the crop management system. Planting of resistant cultivars is reported to be efficient, economical, environmentally friendly and simple approach for managing STB. Integrating two or more disease management strategies will result in better STB management due to complementary action of one for another.

Keywords: Bread wheat, Septoria tritici blotch, Effect, Management