14 May Seed borne diseases of Wheat
गेहूँ के बीज जनित रोग Wheat is the second most important cereal crop in India after Rice. Being one of the most important staple crop, it fulfils major nutrition requirement of the human population since times immemorial. Seed borne diseases of wheat viz., Karnal bunt (Tilletia inidica), loose smut (Ustilago nuda tritici), head scab (Fusarium spp) and tundu or ear cockle (Clavibacter tritici and Anguina tritici) are major constraints affecting both quality and quantity of the wheat grain production leading to low market prices. Besides affecting quality, several diseases may have toxic effect on human beings and animals due to the toxins produced by pathogens. Infected wheat seeds can be carried to long...