Septoria diseases of wheat : concepts and methods of disease management

The two pathogens of the septoria group that have the greatest impact on global wheat production are Septoria tritici and Septoria nodorum. Annual yield losses worldwide due to both diseases are estimated at about 9 million MT. Breeding for resistance has obtained a preeminent place in a number of research and crop improvement programs worldwide. In this report, emphasis is placed on summarizing the more pertinent scientific reports for managing the two major septoria pathogens. Research data are interpreted in terms of concepts and procedures. Topics include the biology of the fungi, infection process, collection and handling of infected material, isolation and maintenance of the fungi, inoculum procedure, artificial inoculation, disease assessment, epidemiology, pathogen specialization, breeding for resistance, and means of cultural and chemical control. Each treatment of a topic or group of alternative methods is followed by the recommendation of one or more preferred techniques or approaches. (Author abstract)