Tilletia controversa

Tilletia controversa is a species of fungus that belongs to the Tilletiaceae family. It is commonly known as the dwarf bunt and is a significant pathogen of wheat crops.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by the American mycologist Albert Julius Winkler in 1898. It belongs to the genus Tilletia, which comprises around 150 species of fungi that are known to cause bunt diseases in grasses.

Description

Tilletia controversa is characterized by its production of teliospores, which are thick-walled, dark brown, and spherical. The teliospores are typically 20-30 µm in diameter and have a reticulate surface pattern. The fungus also produces basidiospores, which are smaller and lighter in color.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Tilletia controversa involves two main stages: the teliospore stage and the basidiospore stage. The teliospores are the primary means of dispersal and can survive in the soil for several years. When conditions are favorable, the teliospores germinate and produce basidiospores, which can infect wheat plants.

Pathogenicity

Tilletia controversa is a significant pathogen of wheat, causing a disease known as dwarf bunt. The disease is characterized by the replacement of the wheat kernels with masses of teliospores, resulting in a reduction in yield and quality. The disease is most prevalent in regions with cold winters, as the teliospores require a period of cold stratification to germinate.

Management

Management of Tilletia controversa involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include crop rotation and the use of resistant wheat varieties. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides, which can be applied to the soil or to the wheat seeds.

See Also

• Tilletia caries
• Tilletia laevis
• Tilletia tritici

References

• Winkler, A.J. (1898). Tilletia controversa, a new species of bunt. Journal of Mycology, 4(2), 67-70.
• Mathre, D.E. (1997). Compendium of barley diseases. St. Paul, MN: APS Press.