SLU news

Biological control of septoria tritici blotch in wheat

Published: 24 April 2023
Oblong yellow fields on a wheat leaf. Photo.

Sidhant Chaudhary will give a seminar on biological control of septoria tritici blotch in wheat on the 27th of April, 1 pm at Ultuna.

Septoria tritici blotch in wheat, caused by the fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, can cause up to 50 % yield losses in Europe. Because of its high evolutionary potential, Z. tritici can rapidly overcome plant resistance and adapt to single-target fungicides. Biological control of Septoria tritici blotch is therefore a potential, environmentally sustainable, alternative to fungicides, which can complement the use of Septoria tritici blotch resistant wheat cultivars.

However, little is known about the effects of plant genotypic differences on the efficacy of biocontrol agents and how this can be utilized in plant breeding. This PhD study is investigating wheat genotype effects on Septoria tritici blotch biocontrol by beneficial microorganisms, and the potential exploitation of these traits in wheat breeding.

Welcome to the seminar on the 27th of April, 1 pm in Lennart Kennes sal at Ultuna in Uppsala.


Contact

sidhant.chaudhary@slu.se, 018-671855