The effects of cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae) and Rhizoctonia solani on the growth and yield of wheat

Abstract

Field trials in a sandy mallee soil in Victoria have shown that large increases (up to 323%) in grain yield are obtained by soil fumigation or the application of nematicides. Development of the plants was enhanced by control of soil-borne root pathogens. The occurrence of both cereal cyst nematode (H. avenae) and Rhizoctonia solani in patches of poor wheat in a field trial in South Australia indicate a possible association between these two pathogens. Glasshouse studies showed that the effects of H. avenae and R. solani on wheat were greater when both pathogens were together than with each individually.