Vertical distribution of root damage caused by Rhizoctonia solani in wheat

Abstract

Vertical distribution of root damage caused by Rhizoctonia solani within a rhizoctonia patch was examined on five occasions during the growing season using a soil core technique. The effect of depth on root damage was assessed by determining root growth of wheat seedlings grown in cores of undisturbed soil taken at depths 0−2−5, 2−5−5−0, 5−0−7−5 and 7−5−10 cm from both inside and outside a patch. Within the patch most of the damage occurred in the top 5 0 cm of soil with less in the next 2−5 cm and least in the 7−5−10 cm zone. Outside the patch, soil depth had little or no effect on root growth.