Black Head Molds of Wheat
Published: 01/28/2022
The various fungi that cause black head mold primarily live on dead plant tissue and are typically only a problem when wheat dies prematurely. Also known as sooty head molds, black head molds appear dirty and come in a variety of colors (black, white, pink, or green) depending on the causal fungi. Growing on dead leaves, stems, and heads, these fungi are of most concern when they occur on heads. If kernels become infected by certain fungi and weather is favorable, they will develop a discoloration of the seed known as black point. The best time to scout is towards the end of the season during flowering and ripening.
Black head mold on wheat head tissue.
Image: M. Burrows
Black head molds on dead wheat plants.
Image. J. Marshall
Injury or premature death predisposes plants to infection by fungi that cause black head molds. Sources of injury include insect damage, chemical burn, other pathogens, and frost or hail damage, among others.
Management is not typically required for black head molds. Following best production practices will minimize stress and disease risk, and help prevent injury that contributes to black head mold development.
Black head mold fungi can grow on dead leaves, stems, and heads.
Injury or premature death predisposes to infection by black head mold fungi.
Black head molds appear dirty and come in a variety of colors.
Black head molds are typically only a problem when wheat dies prematurely.
Black head molds appear dirty and come in a variety of colors.
Gallery images: J. Marshall and M. Burrows.
This publication was developed by the Crop Protection Network, a multi-state and international collaboration of university/provincial extension specialists and public/ private professionals that provides unbiased, research-based information to farmers and agricultural personnel.
This information in this publication is only a guide, and the authors assume no liability for practices implemented based on this information. Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others that may be similar. Individuals using such products assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
©2022 by the Crop Protection Network. All rights reserved.
