Pythium root rot of wheat in Queensland soil

Abstract

Oospores similar in appearance to those found in roots of browning root rot infected plants in Western Canada were commonly found in wheat roots on the Darling Downs of Queensland. The crops, when observed, were past the stage when field symptoms of the disease are readily apparent. However, relatively low numbers of oospores and absence of extensive root lesions indicated that injury may have been minimal. It should be realized that browning root rot rarely kills the wheat seedlings or young plants; nevertheless, the partial destruction of the root system often leads to a yield reduction of 3-10 bus/ac.