Taxonomy: Fungi. Scientific name Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici.

Description: Take-all is a plant disease affecting the roots of cereal plants  All varieties of wheat & barley are susceptible. The fungus infects the root tissue of young plants and can spread from plant to plant in the form of hyphae growing through the soil. This is why the disease is often seen in patches.
The fungus blocks the conductive tissue of the plants and reduces water uptake. Early symptoms of the disease include yellowing, stunting, tillering is often reduced and plants mature prematurely and often have bleached seed heads. The affected roots are darkened and the plants can easily to pull from the soil.

Control general remarks: Crop rotations are essential.