Effect of common root rot (Cochliobolus sativus) on yields of barley under experimental conditions in northern Syria

Abstract

The impact of Cochliobolus sativus on grain yield of different barley cultivars was studied for 3 seasons in northern Syria by comparing plots with and without artificial inoculation. Distributing oat kernels infested with C. sativus next to barley seed and inoculating seed with C. sativus conidia in a peat carrier resulted in an increase in common root rot symptoms on the subcrown internode. Subcrown internodes were shorter in inoculated than uninoculated plots. The effect of inoculation differed greatly among cultivars and years. Highest losses from the common root rot occurred under dry growing conditions, whereas a significant yield increase was noted on 2 susceptible lines grown under adequate moisture. As common root rot can reduce barley yield in unfavourable environments, the disease should be considered by crop improvement programs aimed at low-rainfall zones in Mediterranean environments.