Cephalosporium gramineumsyn.Hymenula cerealis is a plant pathogen that causes cephalosporium stripe of wheat and other grasses. It was first reported in Japan in 1930.[1] The disease can cause yield losses of up to 50% by causing death of tillers and reducing seed production and seed size.[1] The disease causes broad yellow or brown stripes along the length of the leaf and discolouration of the leaf veins.[1] The fungus spreads through the soil, and enters the plant through wounds in its roots.[1] Early planting of winter wheat when the soil is warm gives a greater root system more subject to root breakage when the soil heaves affording more infection sites. Phosphate fertilizer and high moisture further exacerbate this condition.[2][3] The symptoms are caused by the fungus invading the plants' vascular tissue.[4] The fungus also produces a toxin which causes stunting of the plant and interferes with development.[5] A glucopolysaccharide also appears to inhibit fluid movement in wheat.[6]
Very little natural resistance to the disease is seen in wheat. Control measures include crop rotation for 2–3 years in areas where the disease has become a particular problem.[1][4] Currently, no options exist for controlling the disease through the use of fungicides.[5]
