Sanitary Update on Wheat in Argentina: Key Findings & Disease Management Strategies

Introduction: Wheat is a crucial crop in Argentina, ranking third in importance after soybeans and corn. The 2021-22 season saw a record 6.9 million hectares cultivated, yielding 20.4 million tons. However, diseases continue to pose a significant challenge to wheat production. Understanding the latest sanitary trends is essential for optimizing management practices. Visit https://www.plantsciencejournal.org/jpsp for more groundbreaking research in this field.

Major Wheat Diseases in Argentina: Argentina’s wheat fields face persistent threats from fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases, significantly impacting yield and quality.

• Rust Diseases: The most prevalent include Leaf Rust (Puccinia triticina), Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici), and Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). Leaf rust was the most widespread until 2016, causing yield losses of up to 50%.
• Leaf Spot Complex: Comprising diseases such as Tan Spot (Drechslera tritici-repentis), Septoria Leaf Blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici), and Alternaria Leaf Spot (Alternaria spp.), these necrotrophic fungi thrive due to conservation tillage systems.
• Bacterial & Viral Threats: Bacterial leaf blight (Pseudomonas syringae) and Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) have emerged as concerns, affecting yield in specific regions.

Management Strategies:

1. Genetic Resistance: The use of resistant cultivars remains the most effective method, particularly against rusts. Genes such as Lr19, Lr34, Sr31, and Yr10 have provided durable protection.
2. Chemical Control: Fungicides are widely used, but resistance issues with strobilurins and triazoles have been reported, necessitating integrated management.
3. Cultural Practices: Crop rotation, optimal fertilization, and residue management play crucial roles in reducing disease pressure.

Scientific Insights & External Perspectives: The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) underscores the importance of breeding for disease-resistant wheat varieties to ensure global food security. Disease surveillance and rapid genetic adaptation are critical in combating evolving pathogen races.

Read the Full Study: For an in-depth analysis, access the complete research at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.jpsp.1001080.

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