Pathogenic effects of Heterodera avenae and Rhizoctonia solani and their interaction on wheat

Abstract

The effects of the cereal cyst nematode Heterodera arenae and the fungus Rhizoctonin solani on the growth of wheat seedlings were examined under glasshouse conditions. In combination, the pathogens caused significantly greater reduction in tillering, plant height, fresh weight, and root number and length than that caused by either pathogen when acting alone. Reduction in plant height, root number, and root length were the result of interaction. Nematode-fungus interaction may be the cause of disease in the field usually attributed to only one of these pathogens.