Survey of wheat crops for white heads caused by crown rot in Victoria, 1997–2009

• DOI: 10.1071/ap10048
• Publication Date: 2010-06-01T04:40:40Z
• Authors: Grant J. Hollaway; Graham K. Exell
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; 15. Life on land

The incidence and severity of white heads caused by crown rot (Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum) in wheat crops in western Victoria was surveyed from 1997 to 2009. A total of 957 wheat crops were inspected. On average 2–3% of heads were affected with white heads caused by crown rot. In two regions (Wimmera and Western District), crown rot severity was negatively associated with combined September and October rainfall, growing season rainfall and yearly rainfall. Likely reasons for the higher incidence and severity of crown rot in western Victoria than in previous reports are discussed.