Agropyron spp.
wheat grasses
1 Related Pests
Ustilago bullata
fungus
Ustilago bromivora, Ustilago asprellae
Worldwide
Widespread
-
2024-11-11
This fungus attacks seed spikelets and is known to replace seed with fungal survival structures on all its hosts. It is not clear from the literature the exact distribution of this fungus, as well as its host range. Often used as a biocontrol agent on undesirable grasses.
Poaceae family of grasses; brome grass, wild rye grass, wheat grass, barley grass, fescue grass
Yes
USTIBU-2, USTIBU-3, USTIBU-4
This fungus attacks seed spikelets and is known to replace seed with fungal survival structures.
Visual examination during physical purity testing
USTIBU-2, USTIBU-3, USTIBU-4
Visual examination
AOSA/SCST, ISTA
Common physical purity tests during routine seed quality testing should identify any infection by this fungus.
Cultural
Normal seed cleaning and conditioning should eliminate any contamination of seed by this fungus.
Farr, D.F. and Rossman, A.Y. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. 2017, http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/
Richardson, MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seedborne Diseases. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Prevéy, J. S., & Seastedt, T. R. (2015). Increased winter precipitation benefits the native plant pathogen Ustilago bullata that infects an invasive grass. Biological Invasions, 17, 3041-3047.
AOSA Rules for Seed Testing; www.analyzeseeds.com
International Rules for Seed Testing. International Seed Testing Association; www.seedtest.org
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