Black Point disease of Wheat

Abstract

Black point is an important disease found in most wheat growing areas. A number of fungi have been reported associated with the disease. Bipolaris sorokiniana and Alternaria tenuis are generally considered as the primary causal organisms. The infected seed is characterised by brown to black embryo region. With varied intensity of the diffuse discoloration the seed may become discolored and shriveled and can be seen genreally at in the case of severe infection, It resultes in reduction in germination and nutritional value. High humidity and high temperature of 26 to 30 C and the relative humidity of 90% in the area where rainfalls occur during seed muturation. are favour to the disease development. Appropriate planting date to avoid warm and wet conditions during maturing stage is a highly effective measure for the control of the disease. Black point is also seed transmitted disease. Thus in storge, seed moisture content should not exceed 8% and seeds shauld be treated with fungicide since the seed moisture content exceeding 20% enhances the disease severity.