Host Resistance, Bioagents, Botanicals, Nutrients and Fungitoxicants Approaches for Management of Spot Blotch in Wheat Incited by Bipolaris sorokiniana

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most widely cultivated crops and a staple food for millions worldwide. In India, it ranks as the second most important cereal after rice. However, wheat productivity is significantly impacted by abiotic and biotic stresses, with diseases posing a major challenge. Various pathogens, including nematodes, viruses, bacteria, necrotrophic fungi, and biotrophic fungi, attack wheat, resulting in substantial yield and quality losses. Among fungal diseases, spot blotch, caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, is a major threat to wheat cultivation, particularly in the North Eastern Plain region of India. Most often, the pathogen causes symptoms on the leaf and sheath. Additionally, the spikes may be impacted, resulting in low-weight, shriveled grains with a dark