Wheat diseases: an overview

Description

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.

Table of contents

1 Introduction
2 Fungal diseases of wheat: rusts
3 Fungal diseases of wheat: powdery mildew, Fusarium diseases and Septoria diseases
4 Fungal diseases of wheat: other important diseases
5 Virus diseases of wheat
6 Conclusions
7 Where to look for further information
8 References