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Disease Problems in Safflower
The two most serious diseases under wet conditions are Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria carthami) and Pseudomonus bacterial blight (Pseudomonus syringae). Alternaria is characterized by the development of large brown, somewhat irregular spots on leaves and flower bracts.
Bacterial blight has symptoms very similar to Alternaria leaf spot and usually appears after heavy rains. Symptoms include reddish brown lesions that turn white with age. These lesions usually have yellow green margins. Both disease organisms can be found on the same plant. Control practices for bacterial blight are the same as for Alternaria leaf spot (variety selection and disease free seed).
Safflower rust (Puccinia carthami) is rarely a problem. The seed borne spores of safflower rust are readily controlled by seed treatment. The planting of clean, disease-free seed and the use of seed treatments are recommended practices. Infection may occur from disease spores overwintering on safflower residue. Proper crop and field selection are important.
Other diseases that could cause reduction in yield but have not been a problem in recent years in North Dakota are: Sclerotinia root rot or head rot (infection from ascospores), Botrytis head rot (needs wet conditions at flowering and may be a serious disease in higher rainfall or under irrigation), Phytopthora root rot (usually occurs under water logged soil), Verticillum wilt (cold, wet weather after planting is need), Fusarium wilt (needs cool, wet weather in early season) and Pythium root rot.
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