Albert Lea Seed House Oat Production Guide | Page 17

Septoria

Septoria, also known as leaf blotch is the last of the major fungal diseases. Conditions that are conducive for infection
and growth of the disease are warm and humid conditions. Constant moisture in the lower canopy is going to enhance the presence and severity of the disease.
Symptoms
Septoria is a fungal disease that exhibits symptoms first as small spots on the lower leaves of seedlings. Spots grow
into larger, lens-shaped lesions which are initially yellow and later turn reddish brown.2 Lesions are first found on lower leaves within the plant canopy.

Fig. x7. Leaves infected by Septoria Leaf blotch (Picture from AAFC and Andy Tekauz)

Control
Septoria can be controlled by early application of an approved fungicide, the economic threshold is 25% of the leaves
having one or more lesions (Manitoba Ag). Avoid back-to-back cereal crops and incorporate straw to help reduce the
potential of infection.
“Septoria Leaf and Glume Blotch in Wheat, Barley, and Oats. “Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development. Government of Manitoba, Web.

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