Integrated Management of Diseases Caused by Graminicolous Fungi

Wheat is one of the most important cereals grown as human and animal food in the world, including Iran. This crop is infected by various pathogens such as fungi. Graminicolous fungi are important pathogens which cause root and crown rot, leaf blight and black spot on wheat. Some methods, with high efficiency and safety for human and environment, have been employed for controlling these diseases. Since the activity of these fungi depends on some factors such as soil temperature, pH, moisture and nutrients, the proper agricultural practices before planting and suitable irrigation and good fertilization would be effective in pathogen control. Various species of Trichoderma, arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi and some bacterial species may control the disease through some mechanisms such as biofilm production, plant growth promotion and enzyme production. Generally, integrated management with the aid of simultaneous application of several control measures would give the best results.