Micromycetes associated with wheat and their significance as pathogens in Russia

Abstract

Fungal diseases of wheat are widely studied due to economic importance at global scale. Nevertheless, incorrect names of diseases and respective pathogen species, as well as inaccurate indication of their practical significance, is found in in the scientific literature. This may lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the phytosanitary situation. This review collects and structures the information about the main wheat diseases and pathogenic fungi causing them, as well as species emerging as a potential threat to wheat crops. The modern taxonomic status of the fungal species associated with different organs of wheat is given, their geographical distribution and the impact on the crop yield are characterized. Micromycetes are divided into three groups according to their phytosanitary significance. The first group is represented by fungi possessing great importance as pathogens causing the 25 main wheat diseases. The second group includes three diseases not found in Russia but significant for wheat production in other countries, thus posing potential risk for Russian grain farming. The third group consists of fungi causing 29 minor and poorly studied diseases with unverified harmfulness and controversial significance, for which the available data needs to be reviewed and confirmed. This dataset can be used as a reference for a more accurate and correct description of the phytosanitary situation. The review will also be helpful for more targeted studies using molecular methods to determine the area of fungi that cause wheat diseases, to track changes in their distribution boundaries and to clarify the harmfulness of poorly studied species.