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Article as published on fwi by Philip Case on 19 July2010
Take-all levels in second wheats have built up to surprising levels - despite the driest start to the year since 1929, research suggests.
The build-up of inoculum was still high despite the lack of rainfall over the last six months, NIAB investigations into root assessments at HGCA Recommended List sites across the UK have shown.
From an average of seven on the 1-100 scale for the seven second wheat sites at GS31-32 this season, the Take All Index reached 15 at GS39-45, with two sites showing already moderate levels of infection, with indexes above 20.
"The pattern of take-all build-up, although noticeably lower than last year's record mid-season levels, is similar to those recorded in 2007 and 2008," said Rob Plaice, study co-ordinator of Monsanto Crop Protection.
"More modest levels are hardly surprising given the acute lack of rainfall we've experienced so far in 2010.
"But we are very surprised that infections have developed to the extent they have, especially following a dry autumn and cold winter."
He believed the high levels of inoculum could have carried over from last year, or previous seasons when take-all levels were high.
Fungal development may also have been aided by snow cover preserving both soil moisture and temperature, he added.
For more on the CEL take-all monitoring studies in 2010 click here
