The fungal growth within the lesion is also more superficial and can be easily rubbed off. In Ohio, sharp eyespot is common in years with cool, wet conditions from late winter through early spring. This disease, by itself, does not cause large yield losses. However, it frequently occurs in combination with other diseases such as take-all root rot and Cephalosporium stripe. Symptoms often occur on plants around the periphery of wet spots and in areas where water has stood over the winter.
Acidic soils increase disease risk as do cool spring temperatures.
Rye and oats appear more susceptible than wheat or barley. Sharp eyespot can be severe on wheat when it follows one of these more susceptible crops. Symptoms Figure 1. Sharp eyespot is recognized as oval to lens shaped lesions on the base of wheat stems with dark brown borders and pale centers. The first symptom that most people see is premature ripening of affected plants.