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.

 

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.

What to look for

    Paddock

  • Uniform spread across paddock of brown-black discoloured stems and heads.

    Plant

  • 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.

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.
Source URL: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/mycrop/diagnosing-false-black-chaff-wheat
This print version was generated at 1:39pm on the 9th of May, 2025.
The original document was last revised at Thu, 16/04/2015 - 10:27am

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Important disclaimer

The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.