Research on the Occurrence and Development of Pathogen and Pest Attacks
in Wheat Crops under Different Technological Conditions

Mirela Paraschivu¹, Elena Partal², Călin Sălceanu¹

 ¹University of Craiova, Faculty of Agronomy
²National Agricultural Research and Development Institute Fundulea

Keywords: wheat, pathogens, tillage, fertilization, Blumeria graminis, Zymoseptoria tritici.

Abstract: In the 2024 growing season, climatic conditions in southern Romania were characterized by pronounced thermal deviations from the multiannual average, except in September (-1.6°C). Positive temperature anomalies ranged from +0.6°C in May to +8.6°C in February, combined with a severe soil moisture deficit and low relative air humidity, reaching 51% in August. These factors affected the development cycles of wheat pathogens and pests. The main pathogens recorded in the experimental field were Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), causing Powdery Mildew, and Zymoseptoria tritici, causing Septoria Leaf Blotch, both detected as early as February 2024. Compared with the control (no-tillage, N₉₀P₇₅), significantly lower disease incidence of B. graminis f. sp. tritici was observed in plowed, unfertilized plots (GA = 2.4%) and in disked, unfertilized variants (GA = 3.55%), due to partial burial of infected residues. For Z. tritici, the lowest infection level (GA = 0.9%) occurred in plowed, unfertilized plots, while no-till conditions favored pathogen persistence. Pest incidence was low, with Eurygaster integriceps and aphid species (Schizaphis graminum, Macrosiphum avenae, Rhopalosiphum maidis) showing attack degrees between 0.48% and 2.16%. Soil tillage had little effect on pest pressure, indicating minor sensitivity of insect populations to cultivation systems.