Cephalosporium leaf stripe symptoms in cereals

Although this disease affects all cereal species, cephalosporium leaf stripe is only present at very low levels in the UK. Find out about its life cycle and the characteristic symptoms in infected crops.

The causal pathogen – Hymenula cerealis (Cephalosporium gramineum) infects all cereals – wheat, barley, oats, rye and triticale.

The organism survives on organic matter in the soil (i.e. it is saprophytic).

Normally, soilborne conidia enter damaged roots in the winter months.

It used to be common in UK wheat crops that followed grass – associated with high levels of root-damaging wireworm (Agriotes spp.).

Once infected, the fungus grows in the crop’s xylem vessels, blocking the vascular tissue, particularly at the nodes.

Affected tillers develop a single, distinct, bright yellow stripe on each leaf, which extends onto the leaf sheath.

All leaves on an infected tiller usually show symptoms, but not necessarily all tillers on a plant.

The vascular tissue close to the nodes is frequently discoloured.

Tillers can ripen prematurely and produce white heads.

Affected plants are usually randomly scattered throughout the crop.

The fungus survives in crop debris returned to the soil after harvest.

The disease is common at very low levels in the UK and does not cause economic losses.