VIEW ARTICLE

Research.

Effects of Tillage on Common Root Rot of Wheat in Texas. J. T. Mathieson, Research Associate, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. C. M. Rush, D. Bordovsky, L. E. Clark, and O. R. Jones. Associate Professor, Research Scientist, Professor, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station; and Soil Scientist, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bushland, TX 79012. Plant Dis. 74:1006-1008. Accepted for publication 8 June 1990. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1990. DOI: 10.1094/PD-74-1006.

Effects of tillage on the incidence and severity of common root rot caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana and on spore distribution were studied in continuous wheat culture at three locations in Texas. Spore populations were determined to a depth of 40 cm in 10-cm increments. The majority of spores were found in the top 10 cm of soil regardless of tillage method. Although significantly more spores were found with conventional tillage than in the no-till system, the distribution of spores in the soil profile was not significantly affected by tillage. Disease incidence and severity were evaluated by rating the amount of discoloration of the subcrown internode. Disease severity and incidence were usually significantly higher in conventional-till plots than in no-till plots, indicating that cultural practices can reduce common root rot in northern Texas.