Integrated Disease Management of Black point in Wheat in Punjab (Pakistan)

Abstract

Black point or Kernel Smudge of wheat caused by a variety of fungi occur on developing kernels that do not exhibit symptoms. The disease causes reduced yield as well as quality affecting the market value of the produce. A project was conducted to suggest a disease management strategy to reduce losses caused by this disease. 46 wheat genotypes were screened for seedling development. Six Entries 7C032, CH 97, 7C037, 7C034, 5C034 and 6C045 showed more than 0.5 mm per hour radical and plumule development that is significantly higher than the rest of genotypes. Effect of four chemicals (Neem Leaf Extract, Neem oil, Thiophanate Methyl and Thiophanate Methyl M) was compared. Maximum germination and rate of plumule development showed Thiophanate Methyl M is the best treatment for black point infected seeds followed by Neem extract. The maximum increase in seminal root number was observed in Neem extract treatment. Disease incidence on wheat advance lines under different environmental conditions was carried at Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal, Agronomic Research Station Karor, Cotton Research Station Multan, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad and Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku showed that environmental conditions of BARI Chakwal and Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku (35% and 40% incidence in susceptible cultivars respectively) are more conducive from rest of the locations.