Durum wheats are particularly susceptible to crown rot and severe damage may occur unless two or three years break are provided between susceptible crops. Take-all No resistance is available amongst wheat varieties although Tahara triticale is less susceptible. The level of disease in crops is very dependant on spring moisture levels, grass control, rotation and the degree to which summer and autumn rainfall breaks down infected stubbles before the crop Is sown. Soil assays using the Root Disease Diagnostic Service can help to predict which paddocks carry high levels of inoculum. Root rotting results in fewer tillers and can lead to yield reductions of 15 per cent.
Damage is more severe in hot dry springs when moisture is limiting.
Varieties listed as susceptible may benefit from these fungicides. Rhizoctonia barepatch Most crop and weed species are attacked. Barley is more severely affected than wheat. Damage occurs most commonly in less fertile soils and so Increasing soil fertility, especially zinc on deficient soils will help reduce the effects of this disease. Control is best achieved through cultivation below the seeding layer.