Population Dynamics of Wheat Root Pathogens Under Different Tillage Systems in Northeast Oregon

• DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-19-0621-re
• Publication Date: 2020-04-15T03:06:34Z
• Authors: Chuntao Yin; Katherine McLaughlin; Timothy C. Paulitz; Duncan R. Kroese; Christina H. Hagerty
• Keywords: Pythium ultimum; Pythium; Rhizoctonia; Fusarium culmorum; Root rot

No-till or direct seeding can be described as directly into the crop stubble from previous season without use of tillage. A reduction in tillage result many benefits, including increased soil organic matter, water holding capacity, and reduced fuel costs. However, effect no-till on root disease profiles is poorly understood. To study dynamics, samples were collected commercial wheat fields representing a wide range strategies fall 2016 2017. Because precipitation might affect soilborne diseases, located across diverse gradient zones dryland Pacific Northwest selected. Fusarium spp., Pythium Rhizoctonia spp. quantified using dilution plating quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. Results showed that colony counts Fusarium, Pythium, at genus level negatively associated with same patterns not observed when specific causal agents are known to pathogenic qPCR. Furthermore, affected population density some fungal pathogens (F. culmorum, P. ultimum, R. solani AG 8). Within scope inference this study, results indicate benefits adopting likely outweigh potential risk for disease.