By Alice McFarlane

Tackling tan spot disease in wheat

Aug 23, 2024 | 3:38 PM

One of the more recently discovered diseases that threaten wheat crops is a fungal infection called tan spot disease. In infected crops, if you look closely at the green leaves of wheat, you may see tan-coloured lesions, or spots, covering the leaf surface.

The infection damages the leaves of wheat, affecting the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, stunting its growth and decreasing yield and grain quality.

Since its emergence about 50 years ago, tan spot disease has become a serious economic threat to wheat production, with potential losses estimated at millions of dollars annually.

Like most fungi, the fungus that causes tan spot thrives in wet conditions. While spring rain helps wheat grow, it may also be creating the right conditions for infection. The fungus will release its spores, spreading the disease across fields, infecting crops and causing significant damage.

If the damage occurs on the upper leaves, it can reduce yield by 60 per cent or more. In addition, if the pathogen progresses from the leaf to the wheat head, it can cause further damage known as red smudge – a reddish discolouration of the grain which can reduce its grade quality and value.

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A team of researchers at AAFC is trying to understand how the disease has evolved globally and how to slow its progression. This is led by Dr. Reem Aboukhaddour of the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, also collaborating locally with Dr. Kelly Turkington of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre and Dr. Myriam Fernandez of the Swift Current Research and Development Centre.

Aboukhaddour said the team is analyzing the pathogen’s entire genetic makeup and changes in its chromosomes.

“It’s so important to get a clear picture of how the pathogen that causes tan spot disease is evolving. This will help us spot trends, environmental conditions and other factors that enable the disease to thrive, and hopefully discover solutions that help manage it effectively,” Aboukhaddour said.

The team is also looking at how these genes vary in different populations globally, and which local variables or conditions can cause the fungus to survive and reproduce.

Ongoing research aims to identify virulence factors in these new forms, helping researchers find ways to effectively control the disease in wheat crops.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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