Module 18 : Growing and multiplying bunt resistant wheat varieties
Training, self-paced, seed production, health, quality

Welcome to this new training module, “Growing and multiplying bunt resistant wheat varieties” !

Hello !
My name is Maike Bender. I work at Dottenfelderhof in Germany as an organic plant breeder and researcher. Announce the subject
Today, I would like to tell you something about seed health in wheat, or more specifically about the disease common bunt, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Tilletia caries or T. laevis.
Why is it important to talk about this subject ?
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 the harvest. In general, there are good control mechanisms like comprehensive seed testing, the use of resistant varieties, etc., but although challenges remain. E.g., the race-specific effectiveness of the resistances leads to complex distribution patterns because of regionally different races due to seed-borne spore transmission.
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.
Recommendations for completing the module
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.).