Fusarium Root, Crown, and Foot Rot of Wheat
Published: 03/19/2019
Fusarium root, crown, and foot rot is caused by several Fusarium spp. The disease is widespread and can be found in all wheat production regions of the U.S. and Canada. Seedling blight occurs when Fusarium-infected seed is sown. Infected seedlings tend to be reddish with poor vigor and poor tiller production. Root, crown, and foot rot symptoms include dark brown lesions on primary and secondary roots. A dark brown to red lesion will be apparent near the first node of the wheat plant. Under humid conditions, the interior of infected crowns will be spongy and heavily decayed. Pink, cottony fungal growth may be evident inside lower portions of infected stems. Infected plants may die prematurely, resulting in white heads. If heads survive, seed will likely be shriveled. Symptoms can be observed from tillering through ripening.
A dark brown to red lesion will be apparent near the first node of the wheat plant.
Image: M. Burrows
Infected plants may die prematurely, resulting in white heads. If heads survive, seed will likely be shriveled.
Image: M. Burrows
Seedling blight is favored when seed is sown into dry, warm (68-86°F) soil. Dry weather typically favors Fusarium root, crown, and foot rot, but infection can occur under a wide range of environmental conditions. When available, use less susceptible varieties.
Planting into a prepared seedbed with available moisture will reduce stress and disease risk. Depending on the causal Fusarium species, an extended rotation away from a small grain crops reduces risk. Fungicide seed treatments can be used for early season protection against seedling blight and root rot. However, the causal pathogen can infect after fungicide seed treatment protection wears out.
Stem lesions near soil indicative of Fusarium root, crown, and foot rot.
Symptoms include dark brown lesions on primary and secondary roots.
A dark brown to red lesion will be apparent near the first node of the wheat plant.
A dark brown to red lesion will be apparent near the first node of the wheat plant.
Infected plants may die prematurely, resulting in white heads.
Infected plants may die prematurely, resulting in white heads.
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.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
©2023 by the Crop Protection Network. All rights reserved.
