Black Point
Alternaria spp
Alternaria spp
Fungus
Wheat
Very similar to black mould with superficial mould developing on the ear. With Alternaria spp this may lead to a black stain on the grain, a symptom called blackpoint.
Airborne spores from dead or decaying material. Infection usually associated with previous crop stress or damage.
The effect on yield is not dramatic but quality is substantially reduced with a shrivelled, dull and dirty sample. Germination, importance for seed crops or brewing grains will be impaired. If the infected grain is not dried properly, hot spots can be formed in the grain stores reducing quality even further. Generally only a problem in stored grain but the inoculum arises from grain which is infected during ear ripening.
Find out more information on the key disease threats to your cereal crop. For each disease you will find out the importance of the disease in terms of potential yield penalty, how to identify the disease in its early stages and our advice on the best control strategies.