Profile Damage symptoms Host plants Propagation and transmission Economic importance Prevention and control Services to overview

Stripe smut of rye

Urocystis occulta

Profile

Rye stem blight is caused by a fungus and mainly affects winter rye and winter triticale. The main characteristic of this pathogen is long spore deposits on leaves and stalks in conjunction with a clear reduction in the growth of the host plant.

Damage symptoms

Long, 1-1.5 mm wide, lead-gray spore deposits on leaves and culms are typical of rye stem blight. These may later rupture. The affected host plants are usually distinctly shortened and deformed.

Deformationen zweier Roggenähren mit dunklen, aufgerissenen Sporenlagern
Symptome des Roggenstängelbrands an Roggen
Silbernes, längliches Sporenlager auf einem Blatt
Sporenlager

Host plants

The main host plants of rye stem blight are winter rye and winter triticale (a cross between wheat and rye).

Distribution

The rye stalk fire can be found in all cultivation areas.

Propagation and transmission

A spread of the spores into uncontaminated soils takes place by means of infected seeds. The outbreak of the diseases leaves burn spores in the soil, which in turn can infect a new generation of seedlings.

Economic importance

In case of severe infestation with rye stem blight, high yield losses and limited usability of the crop (also for feed purposes) are to be expected.

Prevention and control

  • Use of tested and healthy seeds is recommended
  • Adherence to a wide rye crop rotation on contaminated soils
  • If necessary, seed dressing is possible

Services

Plant Health Services

Last updated: 13.03.2024

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