The use of ammonium fertilisers to reduce the severity of take‐all (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici) on wheat in Western Australia

SUMMARY In field experiments in Western Australia ammonium fertilisers significantly reduced the severity of root damage to wheat (Triticum aestivum) caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici. A series of response lines depicting the effect of sources and rates of nitrogen on take‐all are presented. In general, the higher the rate of ammonium nitrogen used, the greater the reduction in the severity of take‐all. Ammonium sulphate and ammonium sulphate/mono‐ammonium phosphate mixture were more effective in reducing disease than di‐ammonium phosphate, urea or ammonium nitrate. Sodium nitrate did not reduce take‐all.