Potential way of controlling leaf blotch disease in wheat

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. Scientists find potential way of controlling leaf blotch disease in wheat Scientists have found a genetic mechanism that could stop the spread of a "devastating" disease threatening wheat crops. Septoria leaf blotch (STB) is caused by a fungus and is seen as the most significant threat to wheat yields in Europe, and most other wheat growing regions, as currently available fungicides become less effective against resistant strains of the disease. Researchers at Durham University, working with partners from Newcastle University and Rothamsted Research, have now found a way that could potentially be used to stop extensive spreading of STB disease. A key feature of STB is the long symptomless growth of the fungus - called Zymoseptoria tritici - which can affect the host plant's cells before it switches to the visible disease phase that eventually destroys the plant's leaves.