Spread of Septoria in Winter Wheat: A Threat to Harvests in Ukraine
In the fall of 2024, warm weather was observed in Ukraine, which promoted the active growth and development of winter crops. These conditions became favorable for the infection of wheat leaves with septoria. In the central regions, the disease level reached 5-10%, while in the western regions it was 10-15%; in the South and East of the country, this figure did not exceed 5%. The accumulation of inoculum in the crops can lead to the rapid spread of the disease after the resumption of the growing season under conditions of sufficient moisture and moderate temperatures.
This is reported by AgroReview
These risks are reported by agricultural science candidate Tetiana Kyslykh in an article published in the journal The Ukrainian Farmer.
Septoria: A Dangerous Wheat Disease
Septoria is one of the most widespread and harmful diseases among wheat leaf spot diseases. It is caused by several species of fungi belonging to different families according to modern classification. The most common of these are Zymoseptoria tritici (Roberge ex Desm.) Quaedvl. & Crous (also known as Septoria tritici Roberge ex Desm.), Parastagonospora nodorum (Berk.) Quaedvl., Verkley & Crous (syn. Septoria nodorum (Berk.) Berk.) and Parastagonospora avenae (A.B. Frank) Quaedvl., Verkley & Crous (also known as Septoria avenae A.B. Frank).
The greatest threat is posed by Zymoseptoria tritici, which, when infecting plants, forms elongated straw-colored spots. Numerous black formations, which are the pycnidia of the pathogen, can be seen on these spots.
Causes and Symptoms of the Disease
The symptoms of wheat leaf infection caused by P. nodorum are characterized by the appearance of lens-shaped spots. Pycnidia are usually difficult to notice with the naked eye. R. avenae causes the appearance of elongated-elliptical spots of golden-brown color with a yellow border. In 2023-2024, there was a significant increase in the frequency of isolation of R. avenae.
“Soil moisture levels have been replenished, but severe drought is recorded in some areas.”