Leaf development in relation to infection by Stagonospora nodorum and Septoria tritici in wheat

Abstract

Disease and phenology were compared in 2 wheat cultivars (Aroona and Spear) differing in disease resistance and maturity, at early (April-May) to late (June) sowing dates in 1991 and 1992. The cultivars had similar rates of leaf development but the longer season cultivar Spear averaged up to one leaf more on the main stem than the midseason cultivar Aroona, depending on sowing date. The extra leaf production which delayed flag leaf emergence on Spear compared to Aroona at early sowings was associated with lower disease levels in 1991. The occurrence of leaf rust may have diminished this advantage in 1992. Resistance to Septoria tritici in Aroona did not affect disease progress compared to Spear. A comparison of disease over a segment of accumulated thermal time revealed that in 1991, under average seasonal conditions, the earliest sowing experienced the most disease. In 1992, above average late spring rainfall occurred and time of sowing had little influence on disease over the same segment of thermal time. We conclude that a cultivar appropriate for early sowing on the south coast should exhibit increasing leaf production in response to early sowing. This can result in a reduction of disease severity on the upper leaves through disease escape.