Module 18 : Growing and propagating bunt resistant wheat varieties

The production of high-quality organic seeds forms the basis of a functioning farming structure. Common bunt is a dangerous disease in organic farming and can cause a total failure of wheat harvests. In general, there are good control mechanisms like comprehensive seed testing, the use of resistant varieties, etc., but challenges still remain. For example, the race-specific effectiveness of the genetic resistances in bunt-resistant wheat lines leads to complex distribution patterns, as a result of regionally different bunt races and seed-borne spore transmission. In this context, all actors of the organic breeding and seeds system need to pay special attention and take precautions when growing or propagating seed of bunt-resistant wheat varieties.

After completing this module :

• you will have a basic overview of the virulence patterns of common bunt races that are prevalent in Europe
• you will be able to assess site-specific recommendations for some resistant varieties and you will know appropriate measures to prevent infection with common bunt.

Time needed to complete the module : completing this e-learning module will take approximately 10 minutes.

To complete this e-learning activity, you will need only the training material (detail what the trainee will need : paper, pencil, a good internet connection for video content, to make an appointment with a farmer for survey work, etc.).