Impact of powdery mildew on the yield of soft white spring wheat cultivars

Abstract

The effect of powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) on the grain yield and protein content of one susceptible, Springfield, and three moderately resistant cultivars, Fielder, AC Reed and AC Nanda, of soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) was examined at two field locations near Lethbridge and Vauxhall, Alberta, in 1999 and 2000. At the start of heading, powdery mildew development was suppressed in half of the plots of each cultivar by a single spray application of the fungicide Tilt (propiconazole). Severe powdery mildew infection of the susceptible cultivar Springfield resulted in yield reductions ranging from 11.4 to 19.9%. The grain yield of the moderately resistant cultivar Fielder was significantly reduced at both sites in 1999 by 7.6–10.5% while AC Reed suffered a significant yield loss (7.6–9.1%) at Lethbridge in both years. The moderately resistant cultivar AC Nanda consistently had the lowest powdery mildew ratings and its yield was unaffected by the disease. A single fungicide application prevented disease buildup on the moderately resistant cultivars, but not on Springfield. The grain protein content of the moderately resistant cultivars was unaffected by powdery mildew, but it decreased in Springfield by 0.6–0.7%. Key words: Powdery mildew, Propiconazole, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, wheat, Triticum aestivum, resistance