Nitrate forms of nitrogen tend to increase the severity of the disease. Plants infected by the take-all fungus. Note the blackened roots and stem bases of these plants. There are no varieties of wheat available with a high degree of resistance. Varieties claimed to be tolerant tend to show fewer white heads, but yield losses can still be great.
Crop rotation is the most practical, economical and successful means of control of take-all.
Rotations with soybeans, other legumes, or corn is most satisfactory. A rotation with two years between wheat crops is highly recommended. Control grassy weeds, especially quackgrass. Since the take-all fungus survives from year to year on grassy weeds, elimination of these weeds and volunteer wheat will reduce inoculum levels in the field. Applications of lime immediately prior to planting wheat generally increases take-all.