Reaction of spring wheat cultivars to common bunt caused by Tilletia tritici (Bjerk.) Wint. and Tilletia laevis (Kühn)

Abstract

In 2005, 2006 and 2007 nineteen, eight and nine spring wheat cultivars, respectively, were tested in field trials for resistance to common bunt after inoculation with bunt teliospores. Nine spring wheat cultivars were tested in a greenhouse under favourable conditions for the bunt infection. Bunt incidence in the field trials varied between 0% and 38.7%, in the greenhouse between 52.9% and 100%. The results of individual cultivars and years fluctuated. A reduction in plant height, ear length, root system and increased tillering were registered in the inoculated plants. Spots on the leaves of inoculated plants were observed in three out of the four greenhouse experiments.