Infected plants die prematurely, generally within circular patches in the field. These plants appear bleached or straw-colored prior to normal maturity. Tillering is also reduced, frequently resulting in only one head per plant or, under severe conditions, none. The main roots, crown and basal culm tissue show a dry rot. This is accompanied by a dark- brown to black surface mat of fungus tissue underneath the leaf sheath at the base of the plants.
Control involves the use of several cultural practices.
Crop rotations of 2-4 years with corn or soybeans are recommended. Rotation will reduce the incidence of take-all but it will not eliminate it. The fungus can survive on a number of other crops such as barley, oats, rye, many grasses, etc., even though in some instances symptoms may not be noted. Take-all has not caused problems in oats or barley in Kentucky to date. Split applications of nitrogen in fall and spring may reduce damage from take-all.