Waitea circinata var. zeae: Causing root rot of cabbage and oilseed rape

Waitea circinata var. zeae (anamorf Rhizoctonia zeae) is an important pathogen of mainly monocotyledonous plants characterized by its soil-borne nature and capability for the long-term preservation. The host range of W. circinata var. zeae recently expanded to several dicotyledonous crops. The latest research conducted in Serbia revealed this pathogen as the causal agent of root and root neck rot, as well as plant decay of cabbage and oilseed at the localities of Futog and Rimski Šančevi. In this paper the available data on the distribution, preservation, dissemination pattern and control of W. circinata var. zeae, as well as research in Serbia are discussed.