Diagnosing ring spot in cereals
A foliar fungal disease of cereals that can occur throughout the Western Australia wheatbelt but is unlikely to affect grain yield.
What to look for
- Leaves have small brown spots 1-4 millimetres (mm) with dark brown rims and pale brown centres.
- Look at soil surface near affected plant for spiky fungal structures sticking up about 3-4 mm. These are produced from previously infected grass seeds.
Plant
What else could it be
| Condition | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosing yellow spot of wheat | Small leaf leasions at early infection | Yellow spot has a yellow rim |
| Diagnosing septoria nodorum of wheat | Small leaf leasions | Septoria nodorum blotch has a yellow / tan rim |
Where did it come from?
Grass weeds
Wet conditions
- The disease is most common where grass weeds have been a problem the previous year.
- As spores are spread by raindrop splash, the disease is particularly common in wet areas.
Management strategies
Grass weed control
- Fungicide treatment is rarely required.
- Reduce grass weeds, particularly brome and barley grass.
- Avoid successive cereal crops.
See also
Where to go for expert help
Page last updated: Friday, 17 April 2015 - 2:20pm