Spot blotch: A journey from minor to major threat of wheat

Abstract

In the recent times, the rapidly changing climate has transformed the host-pathogen-environment interactions considerably, leading to minor pathogens, such as Bipolaris sorokiniana, emerging as a major threat. B. sorokiniana attacks leaves, stem, sheath, root and grains of wheat which causes significant yield loss. However, lack of precise forecasting models, limited resistant cultivars and inadequate knowledge of new technologies for disease management serves as limitations in the proper management of the disease. In this article, we discuss the pathogen biology, its host range, host pathogen interactions, trend of severity, prevalence area, changing weather condition, newly reported resistant line/germplasm, gene and some other ecological sound approaches of the management.