Distribution, Prevalence, and Severity of Fungal Leaf and Spike Diseases of Winter Wheat in New York in 1986 and 1987. A. M. C. Schilder, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. G. C. Bergstrom, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. Plant Dis. 73:177-182. Accepted for publication 4 October 1988. Copyright 1989 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-73-0177.

Surveys of soft white winter wheat production fields in New York in 1986 and 1987 indicated that leaf spots were moderate to severe in most fields and were the predominant foliar diseases. Septoria nodorum blotch was the most prevalent and severe leaf spot disease, followed in importance by Septoria tritici blotch, tan spot, and Septoria avenae blotch; the latter two occurred sporadically. Several Ascochyta spp. were also recovered from leaf lesions. Powdery mildew, previously thought to be the major foliar disease of winter wheat in New York, was generally of low severity throughout both growing seasons. Leaf rust appeared late in both seasons at levels not considered damaging to the crop. Severe scab developed in 1986, reducing grain quality and yield. Other diseases of minor occurrence and/or severity were stem rust, loose smut, Cephalosporium stripe, glume blotch, foot rot, and take-all. In addition, viral diseases were widespread and suspected as yield-limiting factors in many fields during both years.

Keyword(s): Drechslera tritici-repentis, Erysiphe graminis, Fusarium graminearum, Gibberella zeae, Mycosphaerella graminicola, Phaeosphaeria avenaria f. sp. triticea, Phaeosphaeria nodorum, Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, Septoria avenae f. sp. triticea, Septoria nodorum, Septoria tritici, Stagonospora avenae f. sp. triticea, Stagonospora nodorum, Triticum aestivum.