Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum affect the root system architecture of bread wheat

Yield losses of bread wheat due to crown rot can be more severe when drought conditions occur during the grain-filling period. Root architecture characteristics are important for soil exploration and below-ground resource acquisition essential adaptation water-limited environments. Traits such as root angle, length density have been strongly associated with efficiency contribute yield stability crop. The impact pathogens on is poorly understood. We examined differences in number, well dry weight rot-susceptible cultivar, Livingston inoculated one two Fusarium culmorum or pseudograminearum a transparent-sided observation chamber. Significant adverse impacts plant health growth were revealed by visual discolouration leaf sheaths; fresh shoot weight; area oldest youngest fully expanded number. Values most recorded system measurements reduced either F. pseudograminearum. In contrast, angle was increased presence but not significantly changed development whiteheads grain caused previously blockages vascular systems. method employed here able identify pathogen roots, which detected using previous This research indicates that infection, only reductions size biomass also changes length, could play an role loss.