Gaeumannomyces graminis suppression and microorganisms involved in the decline of disease in southern Chile

Abstract: The central-south Chile produces 85% of the national cereal production. Wheat production has been affected for an important plant disease called “take-all”, which is caused by the soil borne pathogen Gaeumannomyces graminis var tritici (Ggt). Conductive soils with elevated incidence of take-all disease may develop into “suppressive” soils under wheat monoculture. Suppressive soils occur as natural phenomena that prevent or affect the pathogen establishment or disease incidence.This study focused on the screening of suppressive soil from 16 sites located in small communities from la Araucania región where wheat monoculture was applied for more than 10 years. The disease suppression was measures under in vitro conditions. According to preliminary result we can suggest 10 putative suppressive soils which inhibit Ggt. However, a greenhouse assay and molecular studies are ongoing to confirm these results.