Diagnosing false black chaff in wheat
A physiological condition associated with the presence of a rust resistance gene in some wheat varieties. Yield impact unknown.
What to look for
- Uniform spread across paddock of brown-black discoloured stems and heads.
Paddock
- Brown-black discolouration of glumes ranging from slight lines through to large areas covering most of the glume.
- Brown-black discolouration of stem below head in severe cases.
Plant
What else could it be
| Condition | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosing copper deficiency in wheat | Similar stem and head discolouration | False black chaff does not cause white heads or shrivelled grain |
| Diagnosing stem and head frost damage in cereals | Similar stem and head discolouration | False black chaff does not cause white heads or shrivelled grain |
Where did it come from?
- False black chaff is connected with the presence of a stem rust resistance gene and is a physiological condition not a disease.
Management strategies
- No control as symptom is connected with the rust resistance genetics of wheat varieties.
Where to go for expert help
Page last updated: Thursday, 16 April 2015 - 10:27am