Effects of plant density and nitrogen fertilization in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). 2. Incidence of Gerlachia nivalis and Fusarium spp. related to yield losses.

At the low plant density there was more infection by G. [Monographella] nivalis and F. spp. than at the high plant density. In the post-floral period this effect was reflected in a more severe attack of the vegetative plant parts and a greater number of grains being infected at the time of harvest. Delaying the first N dressing and/or the supplementary nitrogen fertilizations at a later stage in the growing season enhanced attack by M. nivalis and F. spp. M. nivalis was the most important; 75% of the attacked grains were infected by it. It is concluded that seed producers should apply nitrogen only in the early stages of plant development, which may reduce considerably the transmission of these pathogens to the new seeds. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)