Influence of planting density and planting date on the occurrence of Fusarium root rot on winter wheat - A phytosanitary food chain problem

Root rot of winter wheat caused by Fusarium species are common wide spread disease in Croatia. Six winter wheat cultivars were sowed during three yaers (2000-2002) on 25th September, 15th October and 1st November at the location of Osijek. Wheat root and basal stem evaluation was done in tillering and stem elongation in all growing seasons. If comparing average values of examined cultivars, planting years and dates, as well as planting density, there were significant differences in occurrence of Fusarium root rot observed at the tillering and stem elongation. Environmental factors favor occurence of Fusarium spp. on wheat root. The least intense occurrence of Fusarium root rot within both development stages was observed on wheat sowed on 25th September in the least planting density. The highest percentage of Fusarium root rot occurred on the cv. Golubica, and the least occurrence on cv. Srpanjka.