Higher levels of microbial activity near the surface associated with residue decomposition may also compete with the foot rot fungus and reduce its inoculation production potential. A third possible reason could be that the slower fall emergence and growth rate often associated with no-till and minimum tillage seedings may have the same effect as delayed seeding. Whatever the reason, these conservation farming systems offer an additional management tool for control of strawbreaker foot rot. Burning wheat stubble after harvest is not effective in controlling strawbreaker. Enough infected crowns are protected by the soil or otherwise escape burning to provide inoculum to cause serious infections in future crops.
Crop rotation does reduce inoculum carryover.
However, only a small amount of inoculum is needed for significant yield losses. Winter barley is only slightly affected by foot rot, but it does help maintain the fungus in the field. Spring grain crops are not affected. Fungicides Fungicides have been and continue to be one of the most widely used methods of control for strawbreaker foot rot. Two disadvantages of relying on fungicides for control are increased production costs and the potential for development of strains of the fungus that would be resistant to the fungicides.