Wheat blast: from its origins in South America to its emergence as a global threat

Abstract

Wheat blast was first reported in Brazil in 1985. It spread rapidly across the wheat cropping areas of Brazil to become the most important biotic constraint on wheat production in the region. The alarming appearance of wheat blast in Bangladesh in 2016 greatly increased the urgency to understand this disease, including its causes and consequences. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge of wheat blast and aim to identify the most important gaps in our understanding of the disease. We also propose a research agenda that aims to improve the management of wheat blast and limit its threat to global wheat production.

Keywords: Pyricularia graminis-tritici; infection physiology; integrated disease management; international quarantine; origin and diversification; population biology and epidemiology.