Abstract
Alternaria alternata, real cause of black point and differentiating symptoms of two other pathogens associated with wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds.
Abstract
Grains of wheat demonstrating 3 categories of symptoms of disease were examined to establish the causal fungal pathogen. Grains with dark brown to black discoloration, generally restricted to the area around the embryo (typical black-point symptoms), showed 100% infection by A. alternata. Grains with light brown to dark brown discrete lesions and a dull white spherical or elliptical area in the centre (typical 'eye-spot' symptoms) demonstrated infection by Drechslera sorokiniana [Cochliobolus sativus] alone. Grains with a creamy white or pinkish colour, mostly shrivelled and lighter in weight were infected by Fusarium graminearum [Gibberella zeae].
