Septoria leaf blotch of wheat -- Tan spot of wheat and net blotch of barley -- Powdery mildew of wheat.

Credits: Editors in chief and scientific advisors, Joseph-Alexander Verreet, Holger Klink.

1. The fungus Mycosphaerella graminicola (anamorph: Septoria tritici) causes Septoria leaf blotch of wheat. The life cycle of this pathogen is illustrated in photo-like 3D animations and real-image video sequences – from the development of the primary sexual stage, Mycosphaerella graminicola, to the maturation of the asexually formed pycnospores. Splashes of rain carry the pycnospores to adjacent and next-higher leaves which, if they are sufficiently wet, are thus infected. However, the first symptoms of Septoria leaf blotch appear only after a typical latency period of around 28 days. 2. Crop rotation with a high proportion of wheat and minimum tillage encourage development of tan spot of wheat, caused by Pyrenophora triticirepentis (anamorph: Drechslera tritici-repentis). The development cycle of this fungus is explained in clear, easy-to-understand 3D animations and real-image video. The closely related fungus Drechslera teres, the causal agent of net blotch of barley, is also described. 3. Blumeria graminis (anamorph: Oidium monilioides) causes powdery mildew of cereals. The life cycle of this obligate biotrophic parasite is depicted in exquisite 3D computer animations and macro images. The fungus survives host dormancy in summer by forming fruiting bodies (cleistothecia) in which sexual ascospores mature. The video also explains the reasons for the pathogen’s high genetic adaptability to changing environmental conditions.

DVD.