Plant Diseases
Wheat Diseases in Arkansas
Rhizoctonia Root Rot and Sharp Eyespot
Rhizoctonia root rot, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, and sharp eyespot, caused
by Rhizoctonia cerealis, have not been serious problems in Arkansas during the
past few years. R. solani causes reddish brown root lesions that result in root
ends having a tapered point where the lesion severs the root. Seedlings with
infected roots may have stiff leaves that are a dull blue-gray color. R.
cerealis attacks through the leaf sheaths near the base of plants and causes
elliptical light brown or straw-colored lesions with dark brown borders on
stems. These lesions may occur on the lower 12 inches of the stem and may cause
the stems to lodge or prematurely ripen.
No highly effective control measures are available. However, Rhizoctonia root
rot has been more severe with no-till planting than with conventional tillage
and seedbed preparation.
Back to Wheat Disease Management |
