The escalating threat of Rhizoctonia cerealis, the causal agent of sharp eyespot in wheat

Abstract

Rhizoctonia cerealis, the causal agent of sharp eyespot on wheat, was not considered to be an important pathogen for many years. Recently, the disease has become endemic in many countries except for South America. The disease has created a new threat to world wheat production because the damage of wheat sharp eyespot has become increasingly severe. In this paper, previous studies on this pathogen, including the disease geographical distribution, pathogen identification, life cycle, symptoms, favourable environmental conditions, effects on wheat yield and control strategy, are reviewed. Such information will be helpful in management of sharp eyespot.