Impacts of crop production factors on common root rot of barley in Eastern Saskatchewan

Summary

This field survey of 137 barley crops in eastern Saskatchewan (1999–2001) characterised the fungal communities associated with common root rot and identified agronomic drivers of pathogen prevalence. Cochliobolus sativus dominated under conventional tillage, whilst Fusarium species (including FHB pathogens F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, and F. graminearum) were more prevalent in reduced tillage systems and after non-cereal crops. The findings suggest that crop rotation and tillage management significantly shape fungal community composition and root rot severity, with potential implications for Fusarium head blight development in subsequent cereal crops, though the mechanistic pathways remain unclear.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in the Canadian Prairie agro-ecosystem, which differs climatically and edaphically from the United Kingdom. However, the core pathogens (Fusarium spp. and C. sativus) and tillage/rotation principles are relevant to cereal production systems in the UK. Transferability of specific findings would require consideration of UK rainfall patterns, soil types, and temperature regimes, but the general principle that crop rotation and tillage intensity influence root rot pathogen pressure is likely applicable to UK barley and wheat production.

Key measures

Severity of subcrown internode discoloration; percentage isolation of fungal species; association of tillage systems, crop rotation sequences, and glyphosate application with fungal prevalence

Outcomes reported

The study assessed the severity of subcrown internode discoloration and fungal isolation rates from 137 barley crops across eastern Saskatchewan, examining associations between crop production practices (tillage, crop rotation, herbicide use) and prevalence of root rot pathogens including Cochliobolus sativus and Fusarium species.

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