 |
ProCrop |
White Wheat Heads, Root Rots, and Shallow Roots
Prematurely whitened heads often occur in many wheat fields across North Dakota. The white heads appear as scattered plants, in small patches, or in large areas of the field. Whole plants or whole heads are white, and the symptoms generally aren't associated with scab infection. Kernels in these heads often are very shriveled, but they are not chalky or scabby. In some cases, these white heads are associated with root and crown rot symptoms; in other instances the roots and crowns appear normal colored, but the whole root system is very shallow and sparse. In plants showing root or crown rot, the crown area is often soft or mushy in texture and medium brown to reddish-brown in color. Fusarium fungi have been isolated from crowns showing this symptom. Another fungus, Cochliobolus, causes common root rot and produces symptoms of a dark brown discoloration of the roots, crown and lower stem.
Plants infected with root and crown rots became infected when soil moisture was abundant early in the growing season. Plants tolerate root rot as long as enough moisture is available and supportive roots can be formed, BUT when temperatures get hot and soils start to get dry, plants with crown rot can't move enough moisture to the head for grain fill. Plants without root or crown rot but with very shallow root systems, may also show the same whitened heads, because their root system can't tap the moisture available at a deeper depth, moisture needed during hot weather.
Back to White Heads -
Durum/HRS Menu
Back to Durum/HRS Menu
Back to Main ProCrop Index
