However, since the development of effective seed treatments, their occurrence has been reduced to very low levels. The universal use of systemic fungicides would eliminate smut and bunt diseases as problems to wheat growers. Common bunt was once the most devasting disease of wheat in Ohio. Seed treatment is the only method of control. The florets are converted to black, dusty spores that are blown away by the wind leaving only a naked spike.
Control is through use of systemic seed treatments.
No single fungicide will eliminate all seed and soil-borne diseases. Therefore, a combination of a good smut fungicide with a fungicide effective against seedling blights is recommended. Several chemical companies have products containing combinations of fungicides effective against both seedling blights and smut diseases. These products are formulated for use in commercial treatment equipment or for use on the farm as planter box treatments. The materials registered for use on wheat are listed in Table 2, and their relative effectiveness is given.