| Hymenula cerealis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Phylum: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Ascomycetes |
| Subclass: | Incertae sedis |
| Order: | Incertae sedis |
| Family: | Incertae sedis |
| Genus: | Hymenula |
| Species: | H. cerealis |
| Binomial name | |
| Hymenula cerealis Ellis & Everh., (1894) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Cephalosporium gramineum Nisik. & Ikata, (1934) |
|
Cephalosporium gramineum or Hymenula cerealis is a plant pathogen that causes Cephalosporium Stripe of Wheat and other grasses. It was first reported in Japan in 1930.[1] The disease can cause yield losses of up to 50% by causing death of tillers and reducing seed production and seed size.[1] The disease causes broad yellow or brown stripes along the length of the leaf and discolouration of the leaf veins.[1] The fungus spreads through the soil, and enters the plant through wounds in its roots.[1] Early planting of winter wheat when the soil is warm gives a greater root system more subject to root breakage when the soil heaves affording more infection sites. Phosphate fertilizer and high moisture further exacerbates this condition.[2][3] The symptoms are caused by the fungus' invasion of the plants vascular tissue.[4] The fungus also produces a toxin which causes stunting of the plant and interferes with development.[5] A glucopolysaccharide also appears to inhibit fluid movement in wheat.[6]
There is very little natural resistance to the disease in wheat, control measures include crop rotation for 2–3 years in areas where the disease has become a particular problem.[1][4] Currently there are no options for controlling the disease through the use of fungicides.[5]