A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF SIGNIFICANT BACTERIAL DISEASES AFFECTING WHEAT

Abstract

Wheat is considered an essential source of food grains for humans and is regarded as a basic food commodity worldwide. Wheat is a staple food for a significant part of the world’s population, especially in regions like Asia, Europe, & North America. Wheat is also considered an essential source of fiber and vitamins. In wheat, a protein content of up to 11-14% is present. However, it also has a concentration of some essential amino acids, such as lysine. The bacterial diseases are responsible for a 10 to 40% reduction in wheat production. Bacterial diseases of wheat can lead to significant yield losses and also affect the quality of wheat grains, which results in discoloration, shriveled kernels, reduced grain weight & poor milling properties. Major bacterial infections such as Bacterial Leaf Streak and Black Chaff caused by Xanthomonas translucens pathovars; Bacterial Leaf Blight & Basal Glume Rot caused by Pseudomonas syringae pathovars; & diseases of minor importance because there is less research available on these diseases, such as Spike Blight of Wheat, Bacterial Mosaic of Wheat, & Gumming disease of Spike caused by genus Clavibacter pathogens. Researchers and scientists have focused on various aspects of managing bacterial disease in wheat, such as disease resistant varieties, cultural practices, pathogen detection, disease characterization & biological control methods. While significant progress has been made in the management of bacterial disease in wheat, there are still several gaps, such as a lack of integrated management strategies, sustainable disease management practices, extension and farmer education, rapid and accurate diagnostic tools & limited disease resistance, that need to be addressed. Continued research, collaboration & knowledge exchange among stakeholders are essential to overcome these challenges and protect the wheat crop from bacterial diseases. This review provides an up-to-date comprehensive description of symptoms, disease cycle, and epidemiology & management strategies for bacterial diseases of wheat.