Eyespot

Caused by: Oculimacula spp
Problem Category: Fungal Disease
Symptoms: Elliptical lesions that first appear on leaf sheath and gradually spread to stem; lesions are yellow-brown to tan in color and occur length-ways down the stem; lesions can occur individually or groups of lesions can coalesce to form large areas of discoloration; lesions may eventually girdle the stem; a gray, thread-like fungal growth may occur on the stem beneath the lesion; mature stems may have a charred appearance; infected tillers mature early and develop white heads and poorly filled seed; tillers may fall if stems are severely infected
Comments: Primary route of infection is by splashing water; emergence of disease favored by high soil moisture content and a dense crop canopy
Management: Rotation of crop away from cereals for a period of 2-3 years will reduce levels of inoculum in the field; plant resistant wheat varieties if available in your area
Control: