Sign InJoin for Free

Common Root Rot

Overview

Common root rot, a notorious fungal disease caused by the Cochliobolus sativus pathogen, poses a significant threat to wheat crops across the globe.

Common Root Rot primarily targets the roots and the crown of the wheat plant. Infected roots struggle to absorb water and nutrients effectively, leading to stunted growth. When the crown, a crucial part of the plant that stores and supplies nutrients to the developing grain, becomes infected, it can result in reduced grain size and number.

Common Root Rot can trigger significant physiological changes in wheat plants. The disease reduces the plant's photosynthetic capacity by affecting the leaf area and chlorophyll content. This reduction in photosynthesis can lead to poor grain filling and lower grain yield.

Moreover, the disease can compromise the plant's structural integrity, making it more prone to lodging, especially under windy conditions.


How to Identify Common Root Rot

Identifying common root rot can be tricky due to its symptoms' similarity with other root diseases. However, understanding the specific signs can facilitate early detection and management.

The most evident sign of common root rot is the browning or darkening of the subcrown internode and the crown. This browning typically starts at the root tip and ascends towards the crown. In extreme cases, the entire root system, including the crown, may turn black. The disease may also stunt the growth of affected plants and, in some instances, cause premature death.

Beyond the physical appearance, other signs of common root rot include the presence of small, black fruiting bodies (pycnidia) on the surface of the affected roots and crowns. These pycnidia produce spores that propagate the disease.

Geographic Reach of Common Root Rot

Common root rot is a worldwide issue, affecting wheat crops in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. It flourishes in temperate climates and is more common in fields with a history of wheat or barley crops.

Timing of Common Root Rot

Common root rot typically emerges in the early stages of the growing season, especially under wet, cool conditions. However, symptoms become more noticeable later in the season, particularly during the heading and ripening stages.

How to Manage Common Root Rot in Wheat

Broad-spectrum fungicide seed treatments can suppress common root rot early in the season. Find a wide variety of fungicides at FBN.

Consider using a starter with phosphorus like Inhabit P to boost early season plant health and vigor.

Inhabit P Webinar

Disclaimer

© 2014 - 2024 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. This content was written by Norm℠, reviewed and edited by Mikaela Tierney.

This content was generated with the assistance of Norm℠, FBN’s artificial intelligence (AI) Ag Advisor, based on a dataset of information containing general industry best practices and research. The AI model did not use specific external sources to generate this content. Our process involves using AI to aid human subject matter experts with the initial drafting and/or refinement of content.

The information and content provided is believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. The content is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, or professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. If you have any questions or feedback about the content, please feel free to contact us or visit our FAQ (https://www.fbn.com/community/blog/norm-faq).

Every product that labels COMMON ROOT ROT as a weed, pest, or disease the product can be applied against is shown below. Click any product for label and more information.
Ace™ 3.8L STCereal Premix 4.0 STCereal Premix 5.0 STCereal Premix F4 RTU STCereal Premix F4 STCerealStar™ Select STCharter® F² fungicide seed treatmentCharter® fungicide seed treatmentCruiser® Vibrance® QuattroCruiserMaxx® CerealsCruiserMaxx® Vibrance® CerealsDifenoconazole 3L STDividend Extreme®Dyna-Shield Defuze™Dyna-Shield Tibet™Dyna-Shield® Foothold® Virock™Dyna-Shield® Foothold™Dyna-Shield® Foothold™ ExtraEverGol® EnergyGaucho® XT FlowableINTEGO® SUITE Cereals OFMetlock® CTNipsIt® SUITE Cereals OF Seed ProtectantRancona® 3.8 FSRancona® ApexRancona® CrestRancona® Crest WRRancona® CTSRancona® PinnacleRancona® SummitRancona® SummitRancona® V 100 Pro FSRancona® V 100 Pro FSRancona® V RTU FSRaxil® 2.6FRaxil® PRO MDRaxil® PRO ShieldRedigo® 480Relenya® Seed TreatmentRightStart® Cereals RTUSalient 372 FSSalient™ TMI Seed TreatmentSativa® 309 FSSativa® IM RTU Seed TreatmentSativa® IMF Max Seed TreatmentSativa® IMF Sembolite™ MaxSativa® M2F RTUSativa™ M RTU Seed TreatmentSeed Shield® CerealsStamina® F³ Cereals fungicide seed treatmentStamina® F³ HL fungicide seed treatmentStamina® F4 Cereals fungicide seed treatmentStamina® fungicide seed treatmentSTartUP™ TEBUZ Seed TreatmentTebuStar® 250 STTebuStar® Elite STTebuStar® IM Extra STTebuStar® IM STTeraxxa™ F4 Seed TreatmentTrebuset™Vibrance® ExtremeVibrance® QuattroWarden® CerealsWarden® Cereals 360Warden® Cereals HRWarden® Cereals IIWarden® Cereals WRWarden® Cereals WRII

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", "FBN Direct," "F2F Genetics Network", "Pro Ag", and "Professional Ag Distributors" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply.

Any product recommendations or preselected bundles are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for consulting the applicable product label or independently determining the appropriate product offerings and quantities for your operation.

Commodity trading involves substantial risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone. FBN Crop Marketing Canada Inc. does not guarantee any specific benefits or value from participating in FBN Crop Marketing Advisory; results will vary. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

** Store credits will be issued to customer accounts weekly. Upon issue, store credits are available to be used immediately and will automatically be applied to the members' next transaction. Store credits have no cash value. Store credits expire 6 months after issuance and must be used on a purchase to be shipped no later than 6 months after issuance. Limit one store credit issued for the same program or promotion per week unless otherwise specified. Terms & conditions apply.

Financing provided by our underwriting and finance partners. By applying for credit, you consent to Farmer’s Business Network Canada, Inc. providing information you provide on an application form to our financing partners or their designated third party service providers. Not all applicants will qualify.

To qualify for a financing offer, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc., complete a credit application, be approved by FBN or our lending partners, and complete all loan documentation. Where applicable, qualified farmers must have a current tax exemption form on file with FBN. Farmers may apply for and accept the terms of financing offered by either Farm Credit Canada (FCC) or Scotiabank’s Yield More Financing™ Program. Input financing is available to FBN members from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Scotiabank’s Yield More Financing™ Program in the following provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. FBN reserves the right to change the terms, effective dates, and to cease any promotions stated herein, with or without notice at any time.

Qualified farmers are eligible to receive a promotional interest rate of 0% to finance purchases of input products made through FBN Direct between October 1, 2023 - December 8, 2023 and financed by Farm Credit Canada (FCC) or Scotiabank’s Yield More Financing™ Program. Qualifying input products include crop protection, adjuvant, crop nutrition, or seed. For Farm Credit Canada (FCC) loans, the 0% promotional interest rate will be offered until May 31, 2024 at which time the loan balance will revert to Prime +2.95% until the loan’s maturity date, which is March 15, 2025. For Scotiabank’s Yield More Financing™ Program loans, the 0% promotional rate will be offered until May 31, 2024 at which time the loans will convert to prime interest rate until September 20, 2024. On October 1, 2024, credit lines above $200,000 will convert to prime +1.95% until the loan’s maturity date, February 29, 2025. On October 1, 2024, credit lines below $200,000 will convert to prime +2.95% until the loan’s maturity date, February 29, 2025.

Qualified farmers are eligible to receive a fixed prime interest rate until September 30, 2024 to finance purchases of input products made through FBN Direct between December 9, 2023 - August 31, 2024 and financed by Farm Credit Canada (FCC) or Scotiabank’s Yield More Financing™ Program. Qualifying input products include crop protection, adjuvant, crop nutrition, or seed. For Farm Credit Canada (FCC) loans, the loan converts to prime interest rate +2.95% on October 1, 2024 until the loan’s maturity date, which is March 15, 2025. For Scotiabank’s Yield More Financing™ Program loans, credit lines above $200,000 will convert to prime +1.95% until the loan’s maturity date, February 29, 2025. On October 1, 2024, credit lines below $200,000 will convert to prime +2.95% until the loan’s maturity date, February 29, 2025.

No purchase minimum required to be eligible for the promotions stated herein.

FBN's Flag Logo