Leaf Blight Epidemic of Wheat in Punjab

Severe leaf blight epidemic was recorded on wheat in the state of Punjab and adjoining in 1995–96. The dominant pathogen in the blight complex on durum and bread wheat varieties was Drecshlera sorokiniana followed by different Fursarium spp. Seed infection was also high, causing varying degrees of brown discolorations, shrivelling and loss in weight. Abnormal weather conditions which played critical role in predisposing the crop to this new disease problem were water logging of the crop in the growing stages and high moisture and temperature at the terminal crop stage, which abetted the epidemic in this region where leaf blight was a minor disease.