Hyphal density as a measure of suppression of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici on wheat roots

Runner hyphae of Gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc.) Arx & Olivier var. tritici Walker on seminal roots of wheat seedlings were photographed and their length measured. As well, their length was estimated using the line-intercept method. The correlation of 0.904 between measured and estimated lengths of hyphae was highly significant. This line intercept method was used to estimate the density (length/unit area) of hyphae on roots of plants growing in the presence and absence of a soil suppressive to G. graminis var. tritici. Estimations were made eight times during 28 days growth at 15°C. In fumigated soil (non-suppressive) inoculated with 0.1% ground oat grain infested with G. graminis var. tritici, the density of hyphae on roots started to increase at five days compared with 15 days when soil there was a 10.8% cover of the root surface after 15 days when the hyphae had reached maximum density. Suppression to G. graminis var. tritici is normally detected by a difference in disease rating of roots at 28 days but this study has shown that suppression can be demonstrated by the difference in the density of hyphae if roots are examined between seven and 19 days.