The recovery of Gibberella zeae from wheat straws

Abstract

Attempts were made to recover Gibberella zeae (Schw.) Petch, a soil fungus which attacks wheat, from wheat straws colonized by the fungus and subsequently exposed in contact with soil at different temperatures and soil moistures. In certain treatments, the fungus could still be recovered after two years. In general, however, recovery declined with time and was adversely affected when the straws were exposed to conditions favouring increased microbial activity (moist soil at relatively high temperatures).