Spores may remain viable in soil for several years. Severe infections can abort tillers. Early detection is required for proper diagnosis. Pull up plants and examine the crowns and subcrown internodes for disease. Look for brown discolouration of stem bases, roots, crowns, and lower leaf sheaths.
Infected plants are generally shorter and produce fewer stems and grains per head.
At times, plants appear bleached and dead. Economic Thresholds None available. Control Tips Avoid soil compaction. Turning under stubble may help to reduce infection levels. Apply adequate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to encourage vigorous root and shoot growth to enable plants to resist or tolerate infection.