PAU expert warns farmers of fungal disease in wheat

An expert of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Dr Narinder Singh, Head, Department of Plant Pathology, PAU, has advised the farmers to produce karnal bunt-free seed of wheat. “Karnal bunt (KB) of wheat is a fungal disease known to partially transform the wheat grains into black mass of fungal spores. The disease survives through seed and soil borne inoculums,” he said.

 

He further said the initiation and development of karnal bunt depends on critical weather factors, such as cloudiness, drizzling and high relative humidity. If these conditions prevail during mid-February to mid-March, there are chances of occurrence of karnal bunt, he warned.

 

He elaborated that the wheat crop which was sown during the second week of November was presently at boot stage and shortly it would emerge. This crop stage is most favorable for Karnal bunt infection.

 

The wind-borne fungal spores land on ears and infect the developing grains, he added. Dr Singh advised the farmers to adopt suitable control measures for Karnal bunt management at the crop stage.

 

 

The initiation and development of Karnal bunt depends on critical weather factors, such as cloudiness, drizzling and high relative humidity. If these conditions prevail during mid-February to mid-March, there are chances of occurrence of Karnal bunt. The crop stage is most favorable for Karnal bunt infection. The wind-borne fungal spores land on ears and infect the developing grains.