Lodging is usually multi-directional. Although the strawbreaker fungus is seldom seen in Kansas, it obviously survives at low levels on wheat or alternative grassy hosts. Inoculum takes several years to build up to damaging levels so strawbreaker is not a problem in first year wheat. Second year continuous wheat is sometimes affected and third year wheat is often severely attacked. Spores are produced on old wheat residues during the late fall, winter, and early spring.
Spores initiate new infections on the lower leaf sheaths.
Tillering seedlings are more susceptible than younger seedlings. The fungus is most active at 50 F. Infections are prevented above 60 F. Infections are favored by dense stands, high soil moisture, and high humidity. In 2000, the epidemic was associated with abnormally high rainfall in January, February, and March and mild temperatures during fall and winter. However if a field was attacked this year, inoculum of the fungus will be present for next year, so special management might be justified. Crop rotation is the best way to reduce the inoculum and thus reduce the risk of occurrence.