The incidence of Pyrenochaeta terrestris in root of different plant species in Serbia

Root samples of cereals (oats, wheat, barley, maize and sorghum), vegetables (garlic, onion, pepper, cucumber, pumpkin, carrot and tomato), industrial plant (soya bean) and weeds (Johnson grass, barnyard grass and green bristle-grass) collected in different agroecological conditions in Serbia were analysed for the presence of Pyrenochaeta terrestris. The fungus was found in 42 out of 51 samples (82.4%), while the incidence varied from 2.5 to 72.5%. The highest incidence was detected in cereals (average 30.3%), and then in weeds of the Poaceae family (average 14.2%). Considering single species, maize (up to 72.5% in root) and Johnson grass (up to 37.5%) were mostly attacked by this fungus. The lowest incidence of the fungus was determined in vegetable crops (average 6.7%). Red to reddish discoloration of root was correlated with the incidence of the fungus. Obtained data indicate that P. terrestris is widespread in Serbia and conditions for its development are favourable.